New Talent Academy to be Established to Support Industry Growth and Talent Development
3rd December 2020: Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, is delighted to announce details of two strategic initiatives to support the growth of Irish animation, investing €1 million as part of a further innovation investment fund made available by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin (TD).
Commenting on the new funding Screen Ireland Chief Executive Désirée Finnegan said: “The Irish animation industry has earned global acclaim for the extraordinary calibre and stunning artistry of their work. The sector is renowned for the animated feature films and TV shows they produce, that are not only multi award winning but watched by millions around the world. Screen Ireland is dedicated to supporting the sector as they demonstrate resilience to the challenges arising from the pandemic. We would like to thank Minister Martin for this funding designed to support international scale, encourage creative innovation through emerging tech and increased skill development to respond to the animation industry’s continued growth”.
Animation Ireland, Chief Executive, Ronan McCabe “Animation Ireland would like to thank Minister Catherine Martin TD for this support. Irish animation has proven to be robust and viable during the challenges of 2020 and we look forward to working with Screen Ireland, and other stakeholders, in consolidating Ireland’s success, as one of the best places in the world to produce high quality animation.”
With a world-class reputation for excellence, the industry has demonstrated its resilience throughout its response to COVID-19, but the industry faces challenges ahead in the form of increased international competition, diversifying content streams and crucial skills gaps.
The stimulus package is designed to address these challenges, as well as to explore new opportunities offered by emerging technologies. The Concept & Creative Innovation Development Fund and Talent Development Academy for Animation will both be established to put a strong emphasis on business development.
The Concept & Creative Innovation Development Fund, in partnership with Animation Ireland, will invest €400,000 in innovative, high-concept development and business growth opportunities for the animation sector. The fund will support a diverse and broad range of talent, genres and formats that anticipate high-value national and international success, highlighting Ireland’s existing reputation as a centre of excellence in animation.
It will be the first step in a wider focus to encourage new areas of content development and workflows, encompassing new media platforms, immersive technology, augmented reality and gaming. Eligible proposals can include: the preparation of new hybrid formats; introduction of new technological workflows; extending genre ambitions outside the current workflow; supporting new business models and plans for growth within the sector; and targeting new areas of artistic and creative endeavour.
To address crucial skills gaps in the animation sector, Screen Ireland is also announcing an open and competitive call for a Consortium to establish a Talent Academy for Animation. By investing €600,000 in this skills development initiative, Screen Ireland is committed to developing diverse creative talent from across the country, ensuring further educational and career opportunities for new, emerging and established talent alike. The Talent Development Academy for Animation is designed to address key priority areas to create and support skills development opportunities, such as:
- Providing funded placements for a broad range of talent
- Investing in new entrants with diverse, creative talent
- Supporting established talent with further opportunities to advance and develop skills
- Offering other talent growth opportunities from other industries and artforms, supporting the exploration of innovative workflows and new development opportunities
The deadline for applications to the Concept & Creative Innovation Development Fund is 1pm, Friday 12th February 2021 and Talent Development Academy for Animation is 1pm, Friday 22nd January 2021 – N.B. An expression of interest must be received by Tues 22nd December 2020 in relation to the Talent Academy application via applications@screenireland.ie
Concept & Creative Innovation Development Fund Submission details are available here and via the Animation Ireland website shortly www.animationireland.com
Talent Development Academy for Animation Submission details are available here.