Press

TG4 to develop five new drama series for under 35's in association with Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland

07.10.20

TG4 in association with Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland seek applications to develop five new contemporary, original, character-based drama series which will appeal particularly to younger audiences under 35 years of age. Ideas pitched should be ambitious, bold, creative, reflective of society and entertaining, providing a fresh perspective to engage and enthuse a new diverse generation of drama lovers on TG4.

As part of the recently announced €3 million July Stimulus Support Package for Television Drama, Screen Ireland has allocated funding that will focus on regional and diverse opportunities. As a result of the support package, TG4 and Screen Ireland are seeking submissions for drama development.

The ideal drama series will be between 4-8 episodes 25 minutes per episode, but we will also consider ideas that merit a longer duration. Series pitched should work naturally in the Irish language, appealing primarily to those who speak Irish regularly but with the ability to attract a wider national and International audience with its tone, humour, relevance, and stylistic approach.

Five projects will be shortlisted to receive development funding of up to €50,000 to bring the series to production level.

TG4 welcome applications for development from production companies who have relevant experience in the production of high-quality drama and would encourage the development of new writing, directing and onscreen talent in the Irish language as part of the process. A Irish-language writer has to be part of the application as the main writer or as a co-writer.

As part of the development support you will be attached to a mentorship support.

The pitch document submitted must contain a development plan highlighting areas of development within your production model i.e. Development of Irish language writers, Directors, Script Editors, Production Assistants etc. this could be through shadowing, mentorship, or training schemes.

Speaking at the announcement of the scheme, Mary Ellen Ní Chualáin, Commissioning Manager for TG4 says “TG4 is delighted to annuounce this development fund with Fís Éireann to develop drama for younger audiences. Appealing to younger audiences is a priority for TG4, and this is an excellent opportunity to strengthen our audience growth and also a chance to support new creative ideas and creators in the independent sector.”

Andrew Byrne Project Manager, Screen Ireland said “Screen Ireland is committed in its ambition to highlight Ireland as a centre of excellence in scripted drama production. This new scheme is part of our drive to represent a diverse range of talent from all backgrounds in senior creative production roles, ensuring gender parity across the sector and an inclusive and evolving workforce.”

Applications for development should include the following:

• Logline & Synopsis (260 words)
• Premise (250 words)
• Series Arc (600 words)
• Character bible (3-5 A4 pages excluding images)
• Outline of the tone and visual style of the project, including a mood board. (1 A4 page)
• Details of the key creative production personnel and talent
• Development budget (TG4 budget template must be used)
• Evidence of Ownership of rights

 
All proposals must be submitted electronically to TG4. Production companies need to first make sure they are registered on our e-Commissioning system http://update.tg4.ie/ecomm/login.php, and then upload before the deadline by selecting, ‘Forbairt Drámaíocht F35 2020’, from the dropdown menu. You will receive an automatic acknowledgment when your proposal has been submitted. Closing date for applications is 30th November at 4pm. Proposals will not be accepted after the deadline.

Further Information:
Any questions in relation to submitting proposals electronically can be sent to Máire Uí Choisdealbha – maire.ui.choisdealbha@tg4.ie

Any questions in relation to this round and project suitability can be sent to Mary Ellen Ní Chualáin – maryellen.ni.chualain@tg4.ie