Screen Ireland has announced that applications are now open for the fifth round of the Screen Mentoring Scheme, an initiative that invests in the continued skills development of professionals in the Irish screen sector.
To date, 100 mentees have been paired with experienced industry mentors through this scheme, which offers screen professionals structured mentoring support at key stages in their career development across business, creative and technical mentoring. Mentors provide practical tailored advice and guidance based on their industry experience, on a one-to-one basis.
Speaking about her experience with the scheme, writer/director and Screen International Rising Star Katie McNeice, who was paired with mentor Ruth Treacy, said:
“I realised in chatting to Ruth that I know more than I thought I did. I got this sense of trust in my gut now I didn't have before. She's taught me to pause and look at the positives when things go well.”
“Having Ruth encouraged me to see things from a different angle, consider other options, to pause and backtrack if I felt it necessary. This has made a lasting change to how I collaborate.”
Screen Ireland is seeking applications from mentees who are looking for the support and guidance of a mentor to learn and grow professionally, with a minimum of three year’s relevant full-time experience. Mentees are expected to demonstrate the relevance of mentoring to professional development, immediate up-skilling requirements and long-term goals as well as commitment and motivation to continuous development in the screen industries. 25 mentees will be assigned a mentor by the Screen Ireland Mentoring Scheme panel, and allocated up to 20 hours of mentoring time over a 5-10 meeting assignment, over a 12-month period.
The scheme is now in its fifth year of existence and previous mentors have included Lenny Abrahamson, Dearbhla Walsh, Peter McKenna, Aisling Walsh, Emer Reynolds, Frank Berry and more. It has been a successful support and springboard for emerging Irish talent such as Anna Mannion, Collie McCarthy, Claire Dix, Kim Bartley and Claire McCabe.
Additionally, Screen Ireland has recently developed two self-led online courses in the area of mentoring. The Mentoring for Mentees and Mentoring for Mentors courses were designed to help prospective mentees and mentors to better understand their respective roles in the mentoring process, and to provide key knowledge and tools for both mentees and mentors to make the most of the partnership.
To learn more about the Screen Mentoring Scheme and to make an application please visit the Screen Mentoring page on Screen Ireland's website.
Applications for this round of the Screen Mentoring Scheme will close on Tuesday, 3rd October 2023, 11:59pm.
