Screen Ireland (Fís Éireann)
Ireland's national development agency for Irish film, television, and animation production
Overview
Screen Ireland, formerly known as the Irish Film Board, is Ireland's national development agency for the film, television, and animation industries. Established under statutory authority, it operates as the primary government body responsible for supporting and promoting Irish screen content both domestically and internationally. The agency provides investment loans for development, production, and distribution of Irish and Ireland-based projects. Screen Ireland has played a pivotal role in the growth of Ireland's screen industries, helping to attract major international productions while nurturing homegrown talent.
The agency offers a range of funding schemes designed to support projects at every stage of the production lifecycle, from initial development through to distribution and marketing. Development funding helps writers and producers refine scripts and package projects for production. Production funding provides investment loans to qualifying feature films, television dramas, documentaries, and animation projects. Screen Ireland also offers completion funding for projects in post-production that need additional financial support to reach market readiness.
How It Works
Screen Ireland provides extensive on-the-ground logistical support for productions choosing to film in Ireland. The agency maintains a comprehensive locations database that showcases Ireland's diverse landscapes, from coastal cliffs and rolling countryside to Georgian streetscapes and modern urban environments. Production companies can access crew databases, facility listings, and guidance on navigating Irish permits and regulations. This infrastructure support has been instrumental in attracting high-profile international productions to Irish locations.
The agency places significant emphasis on skills development and training for Irish filmmakers, actors, and crew members. Through partnerships with training bodies and educational institutions, Screen Ireland supports programs that build capacity across the Irish screen sector. Talent development initiatives include mentoring schemes, international networking opportunities, and bursaries for emerging creatives. These programs help ensure that Ireland's screen industries have a continuous pipeline of skilled professionals.
Who Uses It
Screen Ireland actively promotes Irish films and talent at major international film festivals and markets, including Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, and Sundance. The agency organizes Irish delegations, hosts networking events, and facilitates introductions between Irish creatives and international partners. This international presence has been crucial in raising the profile of Irish cinema and opening doors for Irish actors and filmmakers in global markets. Screen Ireland's promotional efforts have contributed to the international success of numerous Irish productions that have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide.
Pricing & Plans
Funding from Screen Ireland is provided primarily through investment loans rather than outright grants, meaning the agency takes a financial stake in the projects it supports and recoups its investment from revenues. There are no application fees for filmmakers seeking funding, making the process accessible to creators at all career levels. The agency's annual budget is allocated across its various funding schemes, with the specific amounts available varying from year to year based on government appropriations. Projects must meet eligibility criteria related to Irish cultural content, Irish creative involvement, or Irish production spend to qualify for Screen Ireland investment. The loan terms and recoupment structures are negotiated on a project-by-project basis, with the agency's investment typically representing a portion of the overall production budget. Compared to grant-based film funding bodies in other countries, Screen Ireland's loan model means that successful projects contribute back to the fund, creating a more sustainable financing ecosystem.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Screen Ireland is the single most important institutional resource for anyone working in the Irish screen industries, providing funding that enables projects to move from concept to completion. The agency's international promotional activities create visibility for Irish talent at the world's most prestigious film festivals and markets, opening doors that would be difficult for individual filmmakers to access alone. Screen Ireland's locations database and production support services make Ireland an attractive and practical filming destination for both domestic and international productions. The skills development programs help address gaps in the Irish workforce and create pathways for new talent to enter the industry. The agency's commitment to diversity and inclusion has led to targeted initiatives supporting underrepresented voices in Irish cinema. Screen Ireland's track record of backing award-winning films gives its stamp of approval significant credibility with international co-producers and distributors.
What Could Be Better
Screen Ireland's funding is highly competitive, with many more applications received than can be supported in any given year, meaning that rejection is a common experience even for quality projects. The investment loan model means that filmmakers must share revenues with the agency, which can reduce the financial returns for producers on commercially successful projects. Decision-making timelines can be lengthy, with some funding rounds requiring months between application and decision, which can create challenges for projects with time-sensitive elements. The agency's focus on culturally significant Irish content means that purely commercial projects without strong Irish cultural connections may find it difficult to secure support. Some in the industry have noted that Screen Ireland's priorities can shift with changes in leadership or government policy, creating uncertainty for long-term planning. The relatively small scale of the Irish market means that even with Screen Ireland support, many Irish productions operate on modest budgets compared to international standards.
Our Recommendation
We recommend Screen Ireland as an essential resource for any actor, filmmaker, or producer working in or considering the Irish screen industries. For Irish-based actors, understanding Screen Ireland's funded projects pipeline provides valuable intelligence about upcoming productions that will need cast. International actors interested in working in Ireland should familiarize themselves with Screen Ireland's activities, as the agency's funded productions represent a significant portion of professional screen work available in the country. Filmmakers at all career stages should explore Screen Ireland's development and production funding schemes, as the agency actively seeks to support both established and emerging talent. The agency's training and skills development programs are particularly valuable for those early in their careers looking to build professional foundations.
Pro Tips
Monitor Screen Ireland's website and social media channels regularly for announcements about new funding rounds, deadlines, and supported projects entering production. Register with Screen Ireland's locations and production services departments if you are a crew member or facilities provider, as this increases your visibility to productions filming in Ireland. Attend Screen Ireland's industry events, screenings, and networking functions, as these gatherings are prime opportunities to connect with decision-makers and fellow creatives in the Irish film community. Study the agency's slate of recently funded projects to understand the types of stories and genres that are currently being supported, which can inform your own project development strategy. If you are an actor, research Screen Ireland-funded productions that are in pre-production or production, as these represent concrete opportunities for auditions and casting. Build relationships with producers and directors who have successfully secured Screen Ireland funding, as they are the professionals most likely to be making the projects that need cast and crew.