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Actor as Creator Showcase

The Actors Showcase - The Actor as Creator

Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland (Screen Ireland) is the national development agency for the screen sector investing in Talent, Creativity and Enterprise. Screen Ireland’s role is to support and promote Irish film, television and animation through fostering Irish artistic vision and our diverse creative and production talent, growing audiences, and attracting filmmakers and investment into the country.

Fís Eireann/Screen Ireland in partnership with Bow Street Academy, the National Screen Acting School of Ireland, with the support of Equity, are delighted to be collaborating again on The Actor as Creator.

As a continuation of its measures to support the Irish acting community, this talent development and showcasing initiative, will showcase the unique creative voices of 30 actors. Each actor will be allocated a grant of €5,000 towards producing a short filmic work that expresses their creative vision.

“The Actor as Creator” is open to experienced screen actors. Actors are asked to submit a proposal based on a concept, script and / or character they have originated. The successful recipient will originate, perform, and produce the short filmic work of no longer than 14 mins duration.

The commissioned actor must be the key performer. All works created and/or produced by the actor must adhere to all Government guidelines and protocols to ensure compliance with COVID-19 related public health protection measures.

Originality, distinctiveness, and personal expression are to be the focus rather than production values. A range of skills tutorials/webinars will be delivered online through Screen Ireland and Bow Street Academy to support the selected actors.

The actor may work on the piece alone or with a creative collaborator(s) if they so wish.

Application Process

Each applicant must submit the completed application form linked below with the following information.

  • A biography of the applicant to include work CV (1 page)
  • A detailed synopsis of the project  (Max 2 paragraphs)
  • Short Outline of the concept / story ( Up to 1 Page)
  • Character breakdowns (1 Page)
  • A short, filmed pitch about your vision for the project and commitment to this concept (3 minutes maximum). This can include scene demos, character demos or simulacrums. This should be submitted via an Unlisted YouTube link as part of the application.

Applications must be submitted to actorascreator@screenireland.ie

Please direct all technical queries to john.tierney@screenireland.ie

Please direct all non-technical queries about the scheme to grainne.bennett@screenireland.ie

If the project is submitted including a production company and/or producer, it will automatically be deemed ineligible for consideration.

Downloads

Application Form - English

Foirm Iarratais - Gaeilge

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is on Wednesday, 1st March 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

The application asks for a page-long character breakdown but the film I would like to submit only has one character. Do I need to fill the full page?

No.

What is the main difference between a synopsis, concept and outline?

A synopsis (1 or 2 paragraphs) is typically a short document that summarises your film. It usually contains the film's title, genre, logline (a one-sentence summary), and a 2-3 paragraph explanation of the film's storyline, major plot points, and key characters.

The Outline (1 Page) is a more detailed outline of the story that will be filmed. Here you can also add shooting style and tone and any key talent you may already have attached.

Can I submit a short film script?

No, just an outline of the story.

Can I film something I've already done on stage?

Yes, if you created it and own the rights to it.

The guidelines state that a project cannot be submitted with a production company and/or producer attached. Can I attach a Producer later?

Yes. The actor can hire a freelance producer to help with any organizational issues like budgeting, clearances etc but it must be understood the actor holds the copyright and it is being produced under their name as a way to showcase them.

Can I attach an established director to shoot and direct?

Yes. The actor can hire anybody they chose to help with creating their work.

I have loads of great ideas. How many can I submit?

Only one submission is allowed per actor.

Can I submit my finished piece to a film festival?

Yes. Once we have launched our initial showcase of the filmed pieces you are free to sell, share, promote your work as you choose.

Can I raise additional money towards the cost of filming this if I need more?

Yes. You are in control of the budget but you must deliver when the deadlines are announced.

Are actors from Northern Ireland eligible?

No, this scheme is for actors based in the Republic of Ireland.