Ardán and RTÉ are delighted to announce the latest round of the Ardán / RTÉ Short Film Commission Scheme, now in its 33rd year! 

The scheme is an opportunity for Ireland-based writers, directors, and producers to apply as a team for an award of €15,000 to produce a live-action short film of up to 10 minutes which will broadcast on RTÉ2 Shortscreen and feature on the RTÉ Player. Each team must include an individual Writer, Director, and Producer to apply.   

The most recent short films that were made as part of the Commission are The Radio, Misread and Remote Strutting. Remote Strutting, directed by Lorna Fitzsimons, written by Ruaidhri Hallinan and produced by Emer & Brian Durcan premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh in 2024 and is now on its festival run ahead of its broadcast in 2025. Read an interview with the team ahead of the Fleadh highlighting their experience making the film. You can also find an interview with the recipients of the 2022-2023 commission, Misread. 

“As funders, Ardan are really hands on with helping to the filmmakers’ vision. We really loved working with them. They allowed us the creativity and gave us the support to make the best version of the film possible.” – Team Remote Strutting 

The team received mentorship from Dearbhla Walsh (Director), Mark O’Halloran (Script Editor) and Martina Niland (Producer), support the whole team noted was a gamechanger.  

How can I apply? 

Applications must be made through the form at the following link. 

To be eligible, the team members must be habitually resident in Ireland and each member must have made a short film in their relevant role previously. A team can only apply with one project for the scheme.  

Films can be based anywhere in Ireland and the rough cut needs to be delivered by 21st March, 2025. Applications will close at 3pm on Friday, 15th November 2024. 

What happens after I submit my application? 

Each application will be independently assessed, with up to five teams being invited to an interview in Galway to pitch their film to a panel.   

One team will be selected to take part in the Scheme and the successful candidates will be provided with mentorship and guidance from a host of experienced industry professionals.  

The deadline for receipt of applications is 3pm on Friday, 15th November 2024. Full guidelines and information on how to apply are available to download here.

Join us for an online info session

As applications are being sought from teams of writers, producers and directors, we will hold an info day to facilitate those who would like to take part in the scheme but need to find team members.  

The info day will be held online via Zoom on Thursday, 17th October from 1pm-3pm. 

There will be a panel discussion on the Ardán / RTÉ Short Film Commission, with some members of the team behind Remote Strutting: Emer Durcan (Producer), Lorna Fitzsimons (Director) and Ruaidhrí Hallinan (Writer). The panel will discuss important information on the scheme and provide learned experiences from those who have previously taken part in the scheme. 

There will also be an opportunity for individual writers / producers / directors who are looking to form a team to pitch themselves to the attendees, to facilitate networking and team creation.  

Registration is required to attend the online info day. You can register your attendance via the form at this link / and those interested in pitching can indicate that in the form. Registration closes at 5pm on Wednesday 16th October. 

For more information on the info day or the application itself please email kenny@ardan.ie 

#irishfilm #irishshorts 

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