Focus Shorts

About the Funding

Focus Shorts is Screen Ireland’s flagship short film scheme for the making of live-action, fiction films.

This scheme is aimed at Directors, Producers and their teams who have a track record in creative filmmaking.

Focus Shorts aims to encourage strong, original storytelling, exceptional visual flair, and production values appropriate to the big screen. It offers an opportunity for producers, directors and writers to work in a professional environment that will bring their experience up to a higher level and can be seen as a stepping stone for more ambitious projects. Focus Shorts can be up to 10 minutes in length and receive a budget of up to €70,000. Films may be made in the English or Irish language. We are seeking authentic voices telling diverse stories by filmmakers from a variety of backgrounds. In keeping with Screen Ireland’s commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equality, Focus Shorts particularly welcomes teams who reflect these values both on-screen and off.

Deadline

The deadline for applications is Friday, 30th January 2026 at 1pm.

The online system will automatically close at 1pm on this day so please ensure your submission is completed and submitted well in advance of the deadline as late applications will not be accepted by email or otherwise.

Eligibility

Applications are invited from producer/director/writer teams (where the producer and director are not the same person) subject to eligibility guidelines as follows:

• Producers - must have previously produced at least one live action short film. High-quality commercials may also be considered if solely produced.
• Directors - must have previously directed at least one live action short film.
• For application stage any one producer can be attached to a maximum of two applications only. If two projects with the same producer are shortlisted, the producer must nominate another eligible producer to attend the interview.
• A maximum of two producers can be attached to one project, one of whom can be an executive producer.
• Projects submitted twice before unsuccessfully may not reapply.
• Producers, Directors & Writers may apply to make more than one Focus Shorts film but may not receive funding through the scheme more than three times as individuals in those roles.
• The scheme is not open to full-time students.
• For the avoidance of doubt, the writer, director and producer must all be attached at application stage.

Notes Before Applying

• When preparing your submission applicants should carefully consider the production timeframe. It is the producer’s responsibility to ensure that the schedule and budget are achievable and that they are working to bring projects to delivery by the agreed date in their contract. Late delivery can affect future applications.
• Please consider each member of the team’s schedule before applying. Focus Shorts are a big commitment and require significant time and resources so make sure everyone is on the same page and can commit to this before any submission is completed. The funder will hold producers responsible for the project and as such producers should ensure they have full commitment from their team prior to commencement.
• Focus Shorts should be originated and creatively led by talent who are Resident in the Republic of Ireland and produced by an ROI registered production company using an ROI based crew. Irish Citizens living abroad for a time may also be considered if prepared to return home for the entirety of their production if successful in securing funding.
• For the avoidance of doubt, if any applicant, creative contributor or HOD is neither an Irish citizen nor is Resident in the Republic of Ireland, they are not eligible to either apply to or participate in the scheme. Please consider this very carefully before applying.
• The production company used to contract with the funder must be limited & registered in the ROI and only one company may be used to produce the film.
• Should a project be shortlisted, a company director of the applicant production company must be present at the interview. • Producers are expected to assume full responsibility for the production.
• Producers must provide evidence of their ability to acquire all required rights worldwide in perpetuity in all forms of media now known and to be invented.
• Particular attention should be paid to adaptation, life rights or any necessary archival materials that are essential to the project ensuring the rights are available worldwide in perpetuity in all forms of media. Evidence of availability from the source must be included with the application and costs accounted for in the submission budget.
• No outside source of funding may be added to the offer made by the funder.

Budget & Approvals

The following rates will apply to the production budgets of all films made under the scheme:

• Writer/Director/Producer(s) Fees: Between 8-10% of the overall budget.
• Indicative Daily Rate for Cast & Crew: €150
• PRSI/PAYE/USC/Pension Contributions: Must be applied as per Revenue guidance and rules.
• Insurance:  Allow 1.2% of budget
• Contingency: Allow 5% of budget (production fee disallowed)

Screen Ireland will have approval rights over the following elements of all films made under the scheme:

• Shooting script
• Budget
• Shooting Schedule
• Casting
• Key HODs
• Rough Cut
• Credits

Any significant changes to a successful project’s screenplay, schedule, key personnel or cast that are not approved by Screen Ireland may result in the award being withdrawn. If such changes are necessary, they must be discussed and approved by Screen Ireland.

If produced in the Irish language, subtitling will be necessary for festivals & sales worldwide. The cost of this should be reflected in the application budget.

Rights      

• The rights reside with the production company.
• Screen Ireland will retain non-exclusive rights in all media in Ireland and non-exclusive promotional rights for the rest of the world. 
• The rest of the distribution rights will remain with the film maker who can choose to appoint a sales agent or distribute the film themselves. 

Festivals

• Screen Ireland will arrange a meeting with filmmakers of completed projects to discuss festival strategy.
• Festival expenses should not be included in the production budget. A separate limited budget for festival submission fees will be made available to producers.

Assessment Process

• Submissions will be examined, with consideration given to the director’s prior work, treatment, creative notes and the creative team. We welcome applications which pay attention to authentic inclusivity and diversity within their subject matter and their teams. We aim to achieve gender balance across the selected creative teams.
• A shortlist of teams will be invited to attend an interview.
• Should a project be selected for interview or funding, any significant changes to the team, the story or any key element of the production must be approved by Screen Ireland or it may result in the offer being revoked.
• Teams selected must attend an information day in person to be entitled to claim their funding.

Application Materials

To thoroughly assess the potential of applications the following materials are required:

• Logline and Synopsis
• Script
• Directors Notes
• Producers Notes
• Links to director’s previous live action work
• Links to producers previously produced live action work
• Production budget in Euro with attention to particular areas such as stunts, VFX, archive, minors, animals, night shoots etc
• For adaptations, evidence of the ability to licence the rights in all media in perpetuity.
• Comprehensive CVs clearly outlining relevant previous experience for writer, director and producer roles

How to Apply 

• Applications can be made online using the 'Make an Application' button on this page.
• Applications which do not meet the criteria set out in these guidelines will automatically be deemed ineligible for consideration.
• Applicants must apply through a Production Company/Producer account in the Screen Ireland online application system.
• For any enquiries relating to this scheme and these guidelines please email: shortsapplications@screenireland.ie
• For any technical questions when filling out the application form please email technicalsupport@screenireland.ie

This page was last updated on 03/02/2026.