The Independent Productions Unit concerns itself with all independently produced material for RTE. It has a very broad remit encompassing all the different departments in RTE’s program making portfolio. Which include - Daytime and Lifestyle; Entertainment; Young Peoples; Cláracha, Gaeilge, Multicultural and Education; Regional; Factual and Drama.

RTE now operate on a 'rolling commissioning' basis. They post commission briefs on line for the types of shows/ideas they would like submitted.

You can find out what the requirements are by reading the commissioning briefs posted online at www.rte.ie/commissioning.

TG4 is the national Irish language television service which came on air in October 1996. It broadcasts a comprehensive program schedule (including its own daily news service) with an emphasis on original material from independent production companies.

TG4 now operate two commissioning rounds a year, this years dates are:

- 5th February 2010 & 1st October 2010

For the upcoming round of commissions, TG4 are encouraging providers to extend the volume i.e. longer running series, mini series etc, thereby enabling companies to sustain operations and employment over a longer period with consequent benefits and economies of scale.

Accordingly, for submissions TG4 are encouraging companies to:

• Submit proposals for longer running series
• Broaden the range of genres within their submissions
• Consider opportunities for tailoring of existing program material not already available in Ireland to suit TG4 audiences and the Irish language.

For more information go to http://www.tg4.ie/bearla/leir/coim.asp

TV3 is the only privately owned terrestrial free-to-air national commercial television channel in the Republic of Ireland. TV3 is owned by Doughty Hanson, a UK based private equity house, and management. It was acquired in August 2006.

Like RTE, TV3 operate on ‘rolling commissioning’ rounds and accepts ideas in every genre (except kids)

It also accepts submissions foe BAI Sound and Vision Award and proposal should be submitted in plenty of time for rounds

Ideas should be submitted to the commissioning editor by email: fintan.maguire@tv3.ie

Based in Belfast Northern Ireland, BBC NI is a division of the British public broadcaster the BBC.

Like RTE and TV3, BBC NI operate on 'rolling commissioning' basis.

For more information visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/commissioning/ or contact Linda McCartert on 0044 28 9033 8984

Since the break up of the ITV network in 1990, UTV has been one of the top performing independent stations in its region and has attracted audiences in Republic of Ireland and Britain.

Like RTE and TV3 it operates on a 'rolling commissioning' basis for all genres

Ideas for programming should be addressed to Director of Programmes, at UTV or email michael@u.tv

Formerly the BCI (Broadcast Commission of Ireland), the BAI is an independent statutory organisation responsible for a number of key areas of activity with regard to television and radio services in Ireland – the BAI operate ‘Sound & Vision’, the Broadcasting Funding Scheme.

Next Sound and Vision deadlines are

- 5th November 2010 and 1st July 2011

Is a not-for-profit resource centre for filmmakers. There building on Curved Street, in the heart of Dublin's Temple Bar, is a public space where filmmakers can network, hire filmmaking equipment, take training courses and receive support and information about working within the Irish film industry. 

They offer a number of awards which they run in conjunction with RTE & TG4

They are:

• RTE Dance on the Box
• RTE/Film Base Short Film Awards
• Lasair in conjunction with TG4
• Reel Art Award

The date for submissions for all of these awards have now passed please visit http://www.filmbase.ie/awards for more information on future deadline dates or check back later for updates.

Cork-based film resource centre for local film makers. Runs incentives with RTE, focusing on shorts, this award is designed to encourage emerging filmmakers.

For more information on the Cork Film Centre Annual Short Script Award go to http://www.corkfilmcentre.com/

Galway based film resource centre for local film makers set up in 1989. There are three awards available from the Galway Film Centre for emerging film makers with original scripts. They are:

- Special Project Scheme (There are four deadlines a year for this award the 31st March, 30th June, 30th September & 31st December)
- Short Script Award
- ID Projects

Unfortunately the deadline for the Short Script and ID Project Awards has passed for 2010. Please visit www.galwayfilmcentre.ie for information on next years deadlines or check back later for updates.

FilmOffaly, Offaly’s Film Commission in association with Filmbase has announced the FilmOffaly Award 2010.

This funding initiative aims to foster creative, resourceful filmmaking in the county. FilmOffaly are looking for unique, original stories by talented new filmmakers, professional and novice alike. The only stipulation is that the filming must take place in Offaly! There will be one award to one successful applicant.

Closing date for submissions is 3pm, Friday 14th May 2010.

For further information visit www.filmoffaly.ie