Five new Competency Frameworks for the Irish film industry launched
Posted: 3rd September 2025
Today, five new Competency Frameworks were launched by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland in the Irish Film Institute in association with the Writers Guild of Ireland, Screen Directors Guild of Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland, Screen Composers Guild of Ireland and VFX Ireland.
These Competency Frameworks were developed in response to the rapid expansion of the film and television industry which called for a strategic response to attract, retain, and develop skilled film professionals. These Competency Frameworks will play a key role in achieving this common objective for all industry stakeholders.
Colman Farrell, Head of Skills and Professional Development, Screen Ireland, said:
The development of the Competency Frameworks was a considerable undertaking that builds on the pioneering success of the Crew Competency Framework, developed in partnership with Screen Guilds Ireland and later the Animation Framework developed in partnership with Animation Ireland. Our screen professionals are the successful heart of our thriving the audiovisual sector. These Competency Frameworks reflects Screen Ireland’s ambition to facilitate a human-centred approach to skills development; one that helps and supports people to realise their potential, to develop their creative, technical, personal, entrepreneurial skills and to succeed in their roles, projects, and careers. I want to acknowledge the hugely constructive role that the Guilds have played in this process. At Screen Ireland we are grateful for their productive engagement with the development of the Frameworks, as well as the time and resources they have allocated to ensure this process was successfully delivered."
The Competency Frameworks will assist the sector in many ways. They will provide a template for tracking skills, personal and career development for crew. They will also enhance access opportunities and recruitment practices. They clarify progression routes and pathways for career development and will support better retention of talent within the sector.
Furthermore, they will enable third level and other training providers to enhance their current provision and develop curricula that is better aligned to the actual job roles as they operate within the industry.
These Competency Frameworks are a live document and Screen Ireland along with the Guilds are committed to monitoring and updating it when required to ensure it remains relevant in an ever-changing industry.
Screen Ireland would like to acknowledge all of those who contributed to the development of the Competency Framework, especially the many screen industry professionals who contributed their time and efforts.
Jennifer Davidson, Chairperson, Writers’ Guild of Ireland, said:
A great script lies at the heart of every successful Film and TV production. The great success of the Irish film and television industry in recent years is testament to the brilliant minds that create those scripts. The work of a screenwriter is a complex skillset coupled with the unique experience that a screenwriter brings to bear on a project. The Writers’ Guild of Ireland have developed a Scriptwriters Competency Framework to set out the skills and behaviours necessary to achieve career progression."
Birch Hamilton, Executive Director, Screen Directors Guild of Ireland, said:
As the screen sector continues to expand and diversify, the need for a clear, shared roadmap for recruitment, retention and skills development has never been greater. This Competency Framework addresses that need. It builds on our collective strengths, clarifies career pathways for new and established Directors, and supports the alignment of training and professional development with the realities of production in Ireland. It is designed to help Directors not only respond to change, but also to lead it."
Susan Kirby, CEO, Screen Producers Ireland, said:
It is with great pride that Screen Producers Ireland introduces this Competency Framework for Producers in scripted film and TV production. As the audio-visual sector continues to evolve and expand in Ireland, so too must the resources that support its growth. This document has been designed to offer clarity, structure, and guidance for both emerging and established producers working across film, television, and digital content. By outlining the core competencies required at each stage of a producer’s career, we hope to provide a practical resource that supports individual development, aids recruitment, and strengthens the broader production ecosystem."
Sarah Glennane, Chief Executive Officer, Screen Composers Guild of Ireland, said:
At its core, this framework defines what “good” looks like—the technical skills, behaviours, and creative abilities that experience tells us helps bring excellence to each role in craft, professionalism, and creativity. It is designed as both a reference and a practical tool for individuals looking to develop and build careers in this area, to guide self-assessment, training, and career planning. It also serves as a reference to productions working with composers to help understand the skills which a music department professional will have."
Jake Walshe, Chairperson, VFX Ireland, said:
As the sector continues to expand and diversify, the Competency Framework offers a clear roadmap for the many disciplines within VFX, encompassing roles from production through to 2D and 3D specialisations. It serves not only as a guide for individuals, but also as a strategic tool for studios, artists, students, educators, and policymakers aiming to align training and recruitment with industry standards. The development of this Framework has been a collaborative effort, made possible through the collective expertise and commitment of VFX Ireland, the Screen Ireland Skills Department, and the dedicated professionals from our member studios."
All Competency Frameworks for the Screen Industry are accessible HERE