Screen Ireland has announced that applications are now open for the next round of the Screen Mentoring Scheme, a key initiative to invest in the continued skills development of professionals in the Irish screen sector.
To date, over 125 mentees have been paired with highly 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, producer Claire McCabe, who was paired with mentor Katie Holly from Keeper Pictures, said: “I had an incredible experience participating in the Screen Mentoring programme in 2020/2021 with producer Katie Holly. It was a vital opportunity for me to learn about the international film industry and Katie's encouragement & suggestions led me to attending markets and festivals, domestically and internationally, where I've created core working relationships.”
“I was privileged to produce Blue Road - The Edna O'Brien Story, for SOS Productions, where Katie was the executive producer on the film. Coming full circle, we both attended TIFF with the film in September 2024.”
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 sixth year of existence and previous mentors have included Lenny Abrahamson, Aisling Walsh, Luke McManus, Julianne Forde, Brock Norman Brock, Larry Bass, and more. It has been a successful support and springboard for emerging Irish talent such as Colin Thornton, Maureen O'Connell, Robert Higgins, Emma Foley, and Louise Byrne.
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.
Applications for this round of the Screen Mentoring Scheme will close on Friday, 11th October 2024, 11.59pm.
Click here to learn more about the Screen Mentoring Scheme and to make an application.
