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 the dlr First Frames Scheme will continue for 2024/25, 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. Over the last number of years, a wide range of films have been supported, with many going on to screen at festivals in Ireland and abroad and to win awards. 

Councillor Denis O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: 

“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. We are particularly pleased to once again include an award for a short film in the Irish language."

Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Frank Curran added: 

“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.”  

During the launch event, Vanessa Gildea, who heads the Department of Film + Media at IADT, expressed:  

"The DLR First Frames scheme occupies an increasingly vital role in the Irish Film funding arena, nurturing emerging talents. The National Film School is delighted to collaborate with our local partner, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office, in fostering this award scheme and promoting fresh narratives and emerging creators."

dlr First Frames is 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 three short films with awards of up to €13,000 (VAT incl.) each; one of these awards will be for a 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. It is open to proposals for creative shorts; the Scheme does not support animated films or documentaries.  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 Monday 22 July 2024 at noon (12.00). An online briefing session for those interested in applying for the Scheme will take place on Thursday 9 May at 1pm (13.00). Please register your interest for the briefing session here

Full Brief, FAQ’s, and online application submission are available here: https://iadt.ie/news/dlr-first-frames-2024

For further information please contact: dlrfirstframes@iadt.ie /  Christina.Reynolds@iadt.ie