Applications are open for “The First Credit Short Film Scheme” and the “NTA Short Film Fund” for 2026
Posted: 16th December 2025
The National Talent Academy for Film & Television Drama (NTAFT) and National Talent Academy for Animation (NTAA) together with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland have announced that applications are now open for two short film funding initiatives for both live-action and animation projects, which will run from mid 2026 to January 2027.
The schemes, “The First Credit Short Film Scheme” and the “NTA Short Film Fund” first launched in 2024, aim to address a skills gap in the industry, and welcome all those with an interest in Film, TV, or Animation to apply.
The First Credit Short Film Scheme targets new entrants to the industry. It aims to support them in gaining their first professional credits as Writers, Directors, or Producers in live-action and animation.
The NTA Short Film Fund is targeted at those already working within the industry, supporting creatives in expanding their skillsets and moving into new writing and directing roles.
With a budget of €8,000 each, the First Credit Short Film Scheme will fund up to three live-action drama and three animation projects in 2026 this is a fantastic opportunity for new entrants to the industry to gain their first funded credit.
- Learn more about the First Credit Short Film Scheme (Live Action)
- Learn more about the First Credit Short Film Scheme (Animation)
With a budget of €15,000 each, the NTA Short Film Fund will fund up to three live-action drama and up to three animation projects in 2026. In pervious years, a Director of Photography, a Script Supervisor, and a Documentary Filmmaker received a live-action credit following selection for the fund.
- Learn more about the NTA Short Film Fund (Live Action)
- Learn more about the NTA Short Film Fund (Animation)
The closing date for both schemes is Friday, 6th March 2026 at 10am.
You can contact NTA Film & TV with any queries around the application process at liveaction.shorts@nationaltalentacademies.ie and contact NTAA at animation@nationaltalentacademies.ie. Please read the guidelines in detail before emailing.
We are thrilled to announce the third year of the NTA Short Film Scheme for 2026. Over the past two years, these schemes have become a vital space for new and emerging filmmakers to learn, grow, and develop their craft. For 2026, we remain committed to supporting fresh perspectives and filmmakers with exciting and important stories to tell. We encourage anyone interested to attend the registration day and information session, whether you’re looking to meet the NTA team, understand the process, or overcome any barriers you may be facing around entering the industry, finding collaborators, or navigating the application process. We’re here, and excited, to help you take the next step in your filmmaking journey.
- Eibh O’Brien-Collins, Programme Director, National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama
The National Talent Academies is excited to announce that the NTA Short Film Scheme 2026 is open for applications. The scheme has grown immensely over the past two years and has already become one of our most rewarding programmes to facilitate. Participants have gained invaluable experience under the guidance and support of industry mentors and the NTA. If you have a story to tell, sign up to attend one of our information sessions, where you will meet the NTA team and we can answer any questions you may have about the scheme and the application process.
- Deirdre Barry, Programme Director, National Talent Academy for Animation
The National talent Academies Network is an initiative of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland. The National Talent Academy for Film & Television is managed by Ardán and the National Talent Academy for Animation is managed by Animation Ireland.