Development
Northern Ireland Screen supports the development of a diverse range of projects. We support fresh and innovative ideas that will connect with local and international audiences and attract critical acclaim. Northern Ireland Screen offers development funding in the following areas.
Script Development
We support the development of feature film and television drama scripts for individuals and companies. Please note funding for short film development is unavailable.
How much can I apply for?
Individuals: The maximum award for script development to an individual is £2,250. All individual awards are allocated exclusively through the New Writer Focus scheme, which is currently closed.
Companies: The maximum award for script development of one project to a company is £40,000 or 50% of the total development costs, whichever is the lesser amount.
The award will be made available over a series of stages and not in one lump sum. The completion of each stage to Northern Ireland Screen’s satisfaction is essential to enable an applicant to access the full award.
Northern Ireland Screen may award up to 75% on an initial development budget up to £10,000 but beyond the first £10,000 Northern Ireland Screen will not exceed 50% of the remaining development budget. For awards beyond £7,500 Northern Ireland Screen would expect to see cash match finance and confirmed market interest in the project.
Who can apply?
Northern Ireland Screen is interested to hear from Northern Ireland writers and writing teams, as well as Northern Ireland based companies or production companies based outside Northern Ireland who are working with Northern Ireland resident writers.
How do I apply?
Contact Ursula Devine, Development Executive or call +44 28 90 232444.
Project Development
Project development funding is available to companies for feature film, television (all genres and including pilots) and interactive content. The fund specifically excludes development support for local television output.
How much is it?
- 90% of project budget for projects with a budget up to £10,000
- 75% of project budget for projects with a budget of over £10,000 and less than £20,000
- 50% of project budget for projects with a budget of over £20,000 up to a maximum of £100,000
All development awards are recoupable.
Who can apply?
Project development funding is available to independent production companies based in Northern Ireland and European production companies which have an office and staff based in Northern Ireland.
How do I apply?
Contact Jennifer Johnston, or call +44 28 90 232444.
Slate Development
Slate development funding is available to companies for 2 or more projects, which can be feature film, television (all genres and including pilots) and interactive content. The fund specifically excludes development support for local television output.
How much is it?
- 90% of project budget for projects with a budget up to £10,000
- 75% of project budget for projects with a budget of over £10,000 and less than £20,000
- 50% of project budget for projects with a budget of over £20,000 up to a maximum of £100,000
All development awards are recoupable loans.
Who can apply?
Slate development funding is available to independent production companies based in Northern Ireland and European production companies which have an office and staff based in Northern Ireland.
How do I apply?
Contact Jennifer Johnston, or call +44 28 90 232444.
