Animation Ireland and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland are delighted to announce, with the support of Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet & Eirmersive, that applications are now open for the Innovation in Storytelling Development Fund. First launched in 2021 and previously known as the Animation Innovation and Immersive Development Fund, Screen Ireland has supported the development of 38 innovative, high-concept projects across areas such as immersive storytelling, VR, augmented reality and app development.
This year’s €430,000 fund aims to encourage experimentation and prototyping, supporting projects across a wide range of genres and formats. The fund continues Screen Ireland’s ambition to highlight Ireland as a centre of excellence in animation and investing in a diverse range of skills, talent, genres and formats, fuelled by artistry and storytelling. It is designed to allow the sector to explore new opportunities offered by emerging technologies, as well as support the development of IP and new, innovative ways of storytelling.
With the aim of encouraging experimentation and prototyping, submissions can include the preparation of new hybrid formats, introduction of new storytelling workflows, extending genre ambitions outside the current workflow, and targeting new areas of artistic and creative endeavour (such as Animation, Gaming & Immersive Technologies and new technologies). The projects and new workflows selected for last year’s fund included the development of a classic Victorian horror short film through an experimental hybrid animation pipeline; the use of technology to accurately record Irish Sign Language for use in entertaining programming for deaf and hard-of-hearing children; and an immersive experience centred on the subject of climate change.
Producers and industry creatives can apply for a project investment of up to a maximum of €75,000 in total. Each proposal will be assessed on criteria measuring the quality and level of innovation involved in the project, and its appeal to the market.
The deadline for applications to the Innovation in Storytelling Development Fund is Tuesday 2nd December 2025, 1pm.