Irish Myths and Legends: Applications for Screen Ireland's Spotlight scheme are now open
Posted: 1st July 2025
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland (Screen Ireland) is delighted to announce that applications are now open for the latest round of Spotlight - Screen Ireland’s flagship screenwriting talent scheme aimed at discovering and developing fresh and exciting new voices. The 2025 round of Spotlight is aimed at screenwriters who would like to develop a TV series based on the theme ‘Irish Myths and Legends’. From Tír na n-Óg to Cú Chulainn - and beyond - Screen Ireland is looking for original, inventive story ideas based on myths and legends from Irish culture.
Up to 10 projects will be chosen for the scheme, taking an initial 1-2 page pitch at application stage and developing the idea into a detailed bible and pilot screenplay over the course of the programme. The successful screenwriters will be awarded funding of up to €15,000 for individuals and up to €18,000 for teams of two or more writers. Each writer/writing team will be paired with a script editor, paid for by Screen Ireland, and a mentor for the duration. A series of virtual webinars and masterclasses will be held throughout, with topics ranging from the development process to screenwriting for TV, alongside a number of practical case studies. The programme will culminate in an alumni networking event, with professionals from the Irish screen industry and past participants of the Spotlight scheme in attendance.
The theme ‘Irish Myths and Legends’ is flexible to interpretation, and Screen Ireland would like to encourage fresh and unique takes on the theme. Application concepts can take the form of a 30 minute or 60 minute TV format, and can be in the Irish or English language. We welcome any genre-bending shapes and settings for the story – from comedy to drama to modern update – as long as the idea demonstrates a clear vision and the potential to connect with audiences at home and abroad.
Please note, Spotlight is targeted to new, emerging, and underrepresented voices with with early-stage screenwriting and/or other writing experience, and a demonstrable ambition to develop a career as a TV screenwriter. We strongly encourage submissions from applicants who have never applied to Screen Ireland and have no previous credits as a feature or television screenwriter.
Applicants who have previously been supported by Screen Ireland as a screenwriter – with the exception of Screen Ireland’s short film schemes – are not eligible to apply.
The deadline for submissions for this round is Friday, 15th August at 1pm.
Read the full guidelines for details on eligibility and how to apply below: