Press

SPREAG - Funding Scheme Launched to develop Irish Language Animated Shorts

25.03.25

A new funding scheme to support the development of short Irish language animated films was launched at Animation Dingle, offering a total fund of €240,000.

Paul Young of Cartoon Saloon launched the fund which is a joint initiative is a partnership between TG4, Fís Éireann, Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, and the Animation Ireland Talent Academy.

The fund is open to Irish language writers and directors working in collaboration with experienced producers. It aims to encourage the development of high-quality Irish language animation projects. Projects can be developed aimed at children’s audiences (Cúla4) or young adult audiences (BLOC).

We hope that this funding will encourage high quality Irish language animation projects that would be available for distribution at film festivals and for broadcast on TG4 or Cúla4. The scheme will provide an opportunity for new Irish language talent to develop in animation.

TG4 / Cúla4 Commissioning Editor Siobhán Ní Bhrádaigh, said: “TG4 is delighted to partner with Fís Éireann, Northern Ireland Screen, and the Animation Ireland Talent Academy on this new initiative which will support Irish-language writers and directors.”

Áine Walsh, Head of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund at Northern Ireland Screen, added: “We’re pleased to launch this scheme as part of Animation Dingle – an international animation festival based in the heart of the Gaeltacht. We hope this initiative will develop world-class Irish language animation projects.”

From the Animation Ireland Talent Academy, Deirdre Barry said “This fund will provide support and mentorship to develop Irish language writers and directors working in animation. We’re excited to see the ideas and talent that will emerge through this opportunity.”

Colman Farrell from Fís Éireann commented “At Fís Éireann, we’re passionate about Storymakers and supporting authentic Irish stories, and we have a special pride in stories as Gaeilge, so we’re delighted to support this new fund which is being launched at Animation Dingle.”

An online information session will take place via Zoom on Thursday 3 April at 12:30 to provide further details about the scheme and answer any questions from prospective applicants.

More information and application details: www.tg4.ie/spreag