Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council announces continuation of dlr First Frames Short Film Scheme – supporting emerging film talent

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is pleased to announce dlr First Frames Scheme will continue for 2023/24– supporting emerging filmmakers looking to develop ambitious and creative short films based in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The County Council works closely with the Institute of Art, Design & Technology’s (IADT) National Film School on this programme. 

Councillor Denis O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council: “We are delighted to support emerging film talent in the County.  dlr First Frames provides a vital opportunity for emerging filmmakers at a key stage of their career development. For this round of funding, we are particularly excited to announce that there will be an additional award for a short film in the Irish language”.

Chief Executive Frank Curran: “As a county, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown has a wealth of amazing locations for film and this Scheme makes excellent use of these. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is very pleased to continue our strong working relationship with IADT to provide this important Scheme”.  

Speaking at the launch, Vanessa Gildea, Head of Dept. of Film + Media, IADT said “The DLR First Frames scheme holds a place of growing importance in the Irish Film funding landscape, that which supports emerging talent. The National Film School is proud to partner with our neighbour Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on this award scheme, and to champion new stories and storytellers.”

dlr First Frames is fully funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Arts Office and Economic Development Unit, and managed by IADT.  Funding will be available through the scheme to support two short films with awards of up to €13,000 (VAT incl.) each; an additional award of €13,000 will be available to support a third short film in Irish. Mentoring support as well as additional equipment and facilities will be provided by the National Film School, IADT. 

dlr First Frames welcomes a diversity of filmmaking styles, themes and creative approaches. The principal requirements are good stories, and a passionate vision for filmmaking. The goal is to open the door to new and emerging Irish film talents. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s purpose in promoting this opportunity is to support emerging filmmakers to make vibrant and compelling films and to increase awareness of the variety and flexibility of locations available in the region.

DLR’s Economic Development Unit is supporting this opportunity to support employment in the film making industry in the County.

The application closing date is Friday 8th September 2023 at 17.00. 

Full Brief, FAQ’s, recorded Information Session (from 2021) + online application submission available here. 

For further information please contact: dlrfirstframes@iadt.ie or fiona.mckenna-fahy@iadt.ie