About the Funding
Following the first pilot iterations of the Pathways Diversity, Equity and Inclusion funding scheme in 2021 and 2022, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through Animation Ireland are providing a further allocation of €100,000 in funding for 2023 that will be used to provide work opportunities on productions for those from diverse and under-represented communities and those where access to the industry would historically be limited. Please note that this funding scheme is open to below the line crew opportunities as well as opportunities for above the line talent.
The Pathways funding scheme particularly welcomes applications from producers for proposals that support overcoming barriers for under-represented participants/individuals wishing to transition from other sectors and those who wish to return to the screen sector after a period of absence. The scheme also welcomes proposals that aim to address gender and diversity balance in specific Departments and Roles where gender and diversity would historically be skewed. The scheme is particularly focused on supporting opportunities that offer significant career advancement to participants/individuals especially in priority areas where significant skills gaps exist (as identified in government and sectoral skills reports). The scheme is particularly supportive of opportunities where someone is stepping up to a new role to advance their career and where significant barriers to taking on this opportunity exist.
Eligibility
For the purposes of the Pathways Diversity, Equity and Inclusion funding scheme, diversity in terms of underrepresentation within the screen industry generally covers the following grounds:
- Gender
- Marital status
- Family status
- Parenting and Caring Responsibilities
- Age
- Disability
- Geographic Location
- Regional (outside Dublin and Wicklow)
- Language
- Sexual orientation
- Ethnicity
- Religion
- Membership of the Traveller community
- Socioeconomic disadvantage
Given the ongoing situation in Ukraine and in other countries with forced displacement due to conflict, for this round of the Pathways fund, Screen Ireland also welcomes applications that support opportunities for refugees currently resident in Ireland, seeking to transition to the Screen Sector in Ireland.
Producers from the Animation sector can apply for a funding award of up to a maximum of €10,000 per production/project in 2023. A higher funding award may be considered if the production is offering exceptional ED&I opportunities (following review by the awarding panel). More than one application per annum per company/producer is allowed with a maximum allowance of €20,000 per annum per company/producer. The maximum allocation of funding support per individual must not exceed €5,000. In exceptional circumstances the upper limit may be reviewed at the discretion of the funding scheme panel. Applications will only be considered if they have obtained funding from a Broadcaster, or from the BAI/Media Commission, has an international co-production with an Irish producer, qualifies for S481 tax funding, or Screen Ireland funding, for a feature length film, TV unscripted, feature documentary or a television series.
Please note that all the funds necessary for the production to go ahead must be in place in order to receive the funds for Pathways. Projects awarded funding must commence production before 31st December 2023.
Please also note that Pathways funding cannot be used to fund activities that are already funded through any of the National Talent Academies.
Application Details
- The applicant should be the production company.
- The participants/individuals included should be in line with the eligibility section above.
- The application should set out the participants and the roles/grades.
- The production must be capable of supporting the individuals in their development. Details on how participants will be supported should be included in the application.
- Applications need to have identified eligible participants prior to application submission.
The maximum allocation of funding support per individual must not exceed €5,000.
All funding will be made available on the strict condition of adherence to all relevant government and HSE guidelines in relation to COVID-19.
All required insurance is the responsibility of the company/producer.
How the funding award is allocated and dispersed is the responsibility of the company/producer. The producer company awarded funding must abide by all social and employment legislation with regard to the proper use of the funds.
Applications should be made via the application form and sent with “Animation Pathways Application” as a subject line to: applications@animationireland.com
Deadlines for Applications
The Animation Pathways fund will be open throughout 2023 until the total fund is fully expended. In general, applications must be submitted at least 6 weeks before production commences and no more than 16 weeks before production commences. Productions that are up and running already in 2023 can apply as long as the production is ongoing. Productions that are completed cannot apply retrospectively. For productions that are up and running that have already introduced a DEI initiative/activity as part of the production can submit an application as long as this DEI initiative/activity is ongoing. The funding scheme panel will meet once a month (on the last Thursday of the month). Decisions will be communicated to applicants up to one week after the funding scheme panel meets.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Incorrect information may lead to delays in the processing of applications.
Unsuccessful applications may not be resubmitted at a later date. Applicants may seek guidance from the lead organisation (applications@animationireland.com) in advance of making a submission.
Screen Ireland and Animation Ireland reserves the right to suspend or cancel the award where, in its view, a successful applicant is not meeting the required commitment for the agreed programme/activities. Where necessary, award recipients will be required to provide information on their progress.
Screen Ireland and Animation Ireland reserves the right to revise the amount awarded where it is satisfied that incorrect information has been provided.
For any additional queries please contact: applications@animationireland.com
Criteria For Assessment (Total: 100%)
- Overall quality of the application, especially in relation to the E, D & I elements of the application (40%).
- Track record of the applicants in the area of E, D & I (15%).
- Proposed E, D & I supports for participants on the production (20%).
- Relevance and significance of the skills development opportunity to applicant’s professional development and career advancement (25%).
Contracting & Payments
The award will be paid on an instalment basis and will consist of two instalments. The first instalment (90%) will be paid up to 30 days after completion of the contracting process (upon receipt of the signed contract and any requested documentation).
A mid-point check-in update with Animation Ireland will be required for all funded producers/companies.
The final instalment (10% of the award amount) will be paid once a final report has been submitted. The post project report must be submitted on the report template provided by Animation Ireland and should outline the outcomes and impact of the funding awarded as well as providing a breakdown for how the funding award was allocated. The final report should also include any relevant Diversity statistics/data that captures the positive impact of the funding.
Screen Ireland reserves the right to suspend or cancel the funding where, in its view, a successful applicant is not meeting the required commitment for the funding award.
Screen Ireland reserves the right to revise the amount awarded where it is satisfied that incorrect information has been provided.