Creative Ireland South Dublin and LEO South Dublin are seeking applications from filmmakers living in the South Dublin County Council administrative area, who have a developed script which has been seen by a Director and has input from a Producer, for the Film Award 2025. The aim of the award to develop talent, creativity, and activity in filmmaking within the South Dublin County.
The Award of up to €10,000 will be made to a filmmaker or film company towards the cost of production of a short film (drama or documentary) of 12 – 15 minutes in duration to be shot in South Dublin County administrative area before December 2025.
Requirements
- Completed application form
- Synopsis of the project (500 words max.) including a general plot outline
- Copy of the full script (without the writers name)
- Project plan in terms of general shoot requirements
- Insights with regard to the script from the Director and the Producer
- A list of url links to previous work and your role in these projects – where available
- Confirmation that you have full legal access to the script you are submitting
- A detailed budget
- Be a member of the SCENe network – South Dublin Creative Economy Network
Assessment Criteria
This is a competitive process and applications will be assessed using the following criteria:
- Demonstrates ambition, originality and creativity – 20 points
- Scope of the film and anticipated target audience – 10 points
- Quality of previous filmmaking activities and experience – 20 points
- Demonstrates the value this award will have on filming and the contribution to filmmaking activities in South Dublin County – 20 points
- Feasibility of the application and track record of the individual or company including: cost, additional supports required or confirmed, and timeline – 20 points
- Opportunities for local communitiies to engage with the filming/screening – 10 points
Selection Process
The selection panel may at it’s discretion develop a shortlist that best meet the selection criteria and may request further information to help in the assessment of the shortlisted applications.
- Only filmmakers living in South Dublin County Council administrative area are eligible for this award.
- Filmakers will not be eligible to receive an award in two consecutive years.
Film Award Guidelines & Conditions
1. High quality propositions are encouraged from filmmakers who have developed a capacity in filmmaking.
2. The film must be shot and set in the South Dublin County Council Administrative Area. The guiding on film length and duration is 12 – 15 minutes and can be a drama or documentary. Applicants should be in a position to have the production completed including all post production by the end of June 2026.
3. Applicants must be able to demonstrate if requested, full legal rights to the material they are submitting.
4. A 500 word synopsis of the project, including a general plot outline, a full script, a project plan in terms of general shoot requirements, as well as insights from a director and a producer is required of all applications. Applicants should demonstrate a knowledge or awareness of South Dublin County Council Administrative Area as a location for filming.
5. A maximum of two applications per person/organisation or legal entity will be accepted. A separate application must be submitted for each project.
6. A screening of the film must take place in South Dublin County in collaboration with Creative Ireland South Dublin.
7. Unless secured, projects that need significant additional finance will not be eligible. Projects that have been part-shot or have been shot entirely are not eligible to apply.
8. The Film Award is to a maximum of €10,000. If a balance of funds is required, then the source must be identified clearly and detailed in your proposal. The applicant will be liable for any financial overruns to the project. Neither South Dublin County Council nor Creative Ireland will bear responsibility for overruns.
9. If a production has not commenced within three months of Creative Ireland South Dublin and South Dublin County Council announcing the successful applicant then Creative Ireland South Dublin retains the right to award the award to number two on the panel.
10. All applicants must have an Irish Revenue Access Number or Tax Clearance Certificate from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland and must be able to demonstrate this if successful.
11. Codes of Practice Observance; Child First Guidelines including appropriate Garda Vetting procedures, Health & Safety Regulations, Equal Opportunities policies and procedures must be in place and adhered to where relevant and in all cases.
12. South Dublin County Council, Creative Ireland, LEO South Dublin & SCENe must be acknowledged by the awardee on all websites and social media platforms, publicity, press and marketing material produced in connection with the Film and Film Award.
13. South Dublin County Council, Creative Ireland, LEO South Dublin and SCENe logos must be included in the final cut, in all associated printed material, on posters, flyers etc and on all websites. Copies of all such material produced must be sent to South Dublin Arts Office / Creative Ireland South Dublin. Logos will be provided to the awarded application.
14. The selection panel reserves the right not to grant an award if the standard of applications does not satisfy the criteria of the award in full. The decision of the panel is final.
15. Eligibility and compliance with these guidelines and conditions does not guarantee receipt of an award.
16. Acceptance of these conditions and guidelines is implied by submission of an application to the Film Bursary Award.
17. Creative Ireland and South Dublin County Council reserves the right to publicise the awarding of the fund. Successful applicants may be asked to be available for promotional material.
18. Applications and information will be kept on file for no longer than 12 months.