SHORT Film Scheme is a new ambitious short film development and production scheme for emerging talent that are based in Limerick, Tipperary and Clare.
Run by Innovate Limerick through Film in Limerick, Engine Shorts is a partnership between the Local Authorities in Limerick Tipperary and Clare, and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.
The new scheme aims to inspire and support up-and-coming writers, directors and producers to create inspiring, engaging world-class short films that resonate with a wide international audience.
It will also offer the opportunity for emerging local crew to gain real-world experience on funded productions and to receive industry guidance.
Shortlisted teams can avail of training to develop their project ideas and up to six teams will be awarded production funding of €12,500 each to produce a short film.
ENGINE Shorts aims to become a key mechanism for developing filmmaking talent in the Mid-West, supporting skills and talent development through industry-led training, as well as tailored training and practical experience for crews on commissioned projects.
The six projects will all be filmed in the region, crewed by locally-based talent and offer skills training and career development for all those involved.
Speaking about the new initiative, Paul C. Ryan, Regional Film Manager at Film in Limerick said: “We are thrilled to launch this new scheme that we hope will have a major impact on supporting film talent locally.
“The scheme will offer industry training and see new productions filmed in Limerick, Tipperary and Clare that will be screened to audiences world-wide. There has never been a better time for emerging film talent in the Mid-West to step up and break into the industry.
“ENGINE shorts, as the biggest regional film scheme in the country will put the spotlight on the next generation of filmmakers and we want to see emerging talent from every part of Limerick , Tipperary and Clare apply and get involved.”
Dr Pippa Little, Culture and Arts Officer at Limerick City and County Council said, “Limerick City and County Council is delighted to continue our investment in film and to work in partnership to significantly expand our support.
“This new support for the sector is particularly critical at this time, with COVID-19. We look forward to seeing applications coming in from the sector”
Melanie Scott, Arts Officer at Tipperary County Council said; “We are delighted to join with our partners in Limerick and Clare to deliver this exciting new film scheme for local filmmakers.
“Tipperary has a long track record of producing film talent and as a base for many high-profile movies – most recently as a location for Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel starring Matt Damon. We look forward to seeing more local filmmakers developing their own stories in the county.”
Siobhan Mulcahy, Arts Officer at Clare County Council said, “We are delighted, with the support of Creative Ireland, to be in a position to support emerging film talent in County Clare, a county that has a strong reputation of attracting film production with our stunning scenery and abundance of film talent.”
Paul Patton, Director of Further Education and Training, with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board said: “With the board’s significant role in skills-training as well as the socio-economic and cultural life of the region, we are delighted to continue to support Film in Limerick on this new scheme. It will offer a further opportunity to grow and enhance the production skills base in the region and help to sustain the viability of the area for years to come.”
The scheme is now open for applications from writers, directors and producers. Crew looking to work on the commissioned films can also sign up to hear about opportunities to get involved.
Visit engineshorts.com to find out more and to apply.
Deadline for applications is Friday 29 January 2021 at 12noon.
