The deadline for Storyland 2022 is fast approaching for the RTÉ and Screen Ireland scheme, which previously announced increased investment for this year’s edition.
Designed to create opportunities for new talent to pitch, develop and produce drama for our screens, Storyland has acted as an invaluable springboard for Irish writing, directing, producing, and acting talent throughout the island of Ireland to develop their careers.
The award-winning short drama series provides a fantastic opportunity for emerging filmmakers as the final three productions selected for the scheme being awarded a budget of circa €200k. For the first time, Storyland short dramas will broadcast on RTÉ2 as well as RTÉ Player, providing a wider platform for new drama talent and increased funding for these original Irish drama commissions.
This year, the scheme is seeking to commission eight scripts, working closely with script writers and producers on their development. Writers from the worlds of television, film, theatre, advertising, literature, documentary, and journalism are being sought, whether or not they have written for television or film before.
Of the eight dramas developed, three single dramas of 25 minutes duration will be commissioned for production. Storyland has stated that it is also committed to ensuring diversity and an equal gender balance across all key creative positions and to being inclusive when considering the make-up of each team.
"We want to uncover and nurture new and unique voices with untold stories to bring to the screen. It's part of our continuing commitment to identify and promote a diverse range of voices and talent and it's exciting to see Storyland entering a new phase as it moves to television and gets a wider audience,” said David Crean, Acting Head of Drama at RTÉ.
“It’s such an essential ramp for a diverse range of Irish drama talent to showcase their work locally and globally and we’re delighted to be working with Screen Ireland on our commitment to raise the profile of Irish drama".
Andrew Byrne Television Project Manager Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland added: "We are delighted to be working with RTÉ on this new iteration of Storyland, which supports our TV Drama objectives. We are committed to investing in new emerging talent and seeking out diverse Irish voices and stories that connect with local and international audiences".
The deadline for entries to the scheme is midnight on December 12.
The shortlist and interviews will then take place on January 17th, with the announcement of the eight Finalists taking place on January 24th. The three commissioned projects will be revealed in mid-March and the selected series being delivered on June 17th, 2022.
Click here for more information about the application process.