New Shorts Focus
NEW SHORTS FOCUS is a fiction development scheme specifically for under-represented new and emerging Northern Ireland resident writer and writer/director talent. New Shorts Focus is the only short film fiction development scheme which Northern Ireland Screen currently operates.
The development process is a writer-led initiative. It will be facilitated by a development producer over a six-month period from October 2025 to March 2026 and delivered online with monthly development meetings. Selected participants must be available to attend each online monthly development session and will be asked to deliver projects drafts monthly, normally a week prior to each monthly meeting. Participants are supplied with script coverage to assist in the re-drafting process each month.
It is anticipated that up to six projects will be selected to participate in the development process, with the hope that up to three projects may be selected to receive a production award of up to £12,500. Any potential production award will be subject to the attachment of a Northern Ireland resident production company, meeting the eligibility criteria, successful application, contract and the continued availability of funds.
Applicants must apply online through Northern Ireland Screen’s application portal which can be accessed using the following link: https://northernirelandscreen.smartsimpleuk.com/s_Login.jsp
Download full guidelines.
