Fiction: Creative Co-Production Grant Programme (Ireland)

he Fiction: Creative Co-Production Grant Programme supports Irish independent production companies collaborating on international live-action or animated feature films through official co-production structures. The programme provides funding of up to €350,000 to strengthen Irish creative involvement, support international partnerships, and promote films with strong Irish talent, locations, and cultural connections.

The grant is designed for Irish producers who participate as creative partners rather than only as service producers or minority financiers. Supported projects must have official co-production status, secured third-party funding from the leading territory, and clear agreements related to rights, screenwriting, and directing.

Fiction: Creative Co-Production Grant Programme Overview

The Fiction: Creative Co-Production Grant Programme provides financial support for Irish producers working with international partners on feature films that are structured as official co-productions.

The programme supports both live-action and animated feature films that involve meaningful Irish creative participation and have the potential to reach international audiences.

The funding aims to strengthen Ireland’s film industry by encouraging international collaboration, increasing opportunities for Irish creative professionals, and supporting high-quality productions with global potential.

Purpose of the Creative Co-Production Grant

The main purpose of this grant programme is to support Irish producers who play an active creative role in international feature film projects.

The programme encourages projects that:

• Promote international film collaboration involving Irish producers.
• Strengthen Ireland’s role in global film production.
• Create opportunities for Irish creative talent.
• Support films with cultural, artistic, and commercial potential.
• Increase Irish participation in international cinema.

The Irish producer must contribute creatively to the project and cannot participate only as a production service provider or financial partner.

Funding Amount and Support Available

The maximum grant available through the Fiction: Creative Co-Production Grant Programme is €350,000.

Funding supports eligible Irish producers involved in international feature film projects that meet the programme requirements.

Priority may be given to projects that:

• Use Ireland as a filming location.
• Represent Ireland or Irish stories.
• Include Irish themes, culture, or perspectives.
• Employ Irish Heads of Department.
• Include Irish actors or other key creative talent.

Eligible Projects

The programme supports:

• Live-action feature films.
• Animated feature films.
• International projects originating outside Ireland.
• Projects developed through official co-production agreements.

The project must have:

• Official co-production status.
• Secured third-party funding from the leading production territory.
• Strong Irish creative involvement.
• Clear agreements regarding rights and creative responsibilities.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Independent production companies registered in the Republic of Ireland.
• Production companies with an office and staff based in Ireland.
• Irish producers involved in eligible international feature film co-productions.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Experience in film production.
• Creative involvement in the project.
• Access to necessary adaptation or production rights.
• Agreements with the screenwriter and director before applying.

Irish Producer Requirements

The Irish producer must act as a creative collaborator and not only provide production support.

Eligible producers should:

• Participate in creative decision-making.
• Contribute to the development and production process.
• Have a meaningful role within the co-production structure.
• Support Irish talent participation where possible.

A producer acting only as a service provider or holding a small financial role will not meet the programme requirements.

Official Co-Production Requirements

Projects supported under this programme must generally qualify as official co-productions through:

• A relevant bilateral co-production treaty, or
• The European Convention on Cinematographic Co-Production.

In exceptional situations where official status requirements are waived, projects must still operate as genuine co-productions with:

• Shared ownership.
• Shared rights.
• Shared revenues among co-production partners.

The official co-production requirement cannot be waived for projects involving co-production arrangements with the United Kingdom.

How the Programme Works

Applicants must prepare a complete proposal demonstrating the creative and production value of their project.

The application should show:

1. Project Information
   • Film concept and creative vision.
   • Production details.
   • International collaboration structure.
2. Irish Contribution
   • Role of the Irish producer.
   • Participation of Irish talent.
   • Use of Irish locations or themes.
3. Production Agreements
   • Official co-production arrangements.
   • Rights agreements.
   • Director and writer agreements.
4. Funding Structure
   • Confirmation of third-party financing.
   • Budget information.
   • Financial contribution from production partners.

Key Selection Priorities

Projects may receive stronger consideration if they:

• Showcase Ireland internationally.
• Create opportunities for Irish filmmakers.
• Employ Irish creative professionals.
• Demonstrate strong artistic quality.
• Have international audience potential.
• Include innovative storytelling approaches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without confirmed co-production arrangements.
• Treating the Irish producer as only a service provider.
• Submitting projects without secured rights agreements.
• Failing to demonstrate Irish creative involvement.
• Applying without director or writer agreements.
• Providing unclear information about funding sources.
• Ignoring official co-production requirements.

Tips for Strong Applications

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the Irish producer’s creative contribution.
• Highlight Irish talent involvement.
• Provide detailed production plans.
• Demonstrate international audience potential.
• Ensure all legal and financial agreements are prepared before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Fiction: Creative Co-Production Grant Programme?

The programme provides funding to support Irish producers collaborating creatively on international live-action or animated feature films through official co-production agreements.

What is the maximum funding available?

The maximum grant available is €350,000.

Who can apply for this grant?

Independent production companies registered in the Republic of Ireland with Irish producers involved in eligible feature film co-productions can apply.

Can a producer apply if they are only providing production services?

No. The Irish producer must be a creative collaborator and not only a service producer or minority financial partner.

What types of films are supported?

The programme supports international live-action and animated feature films that meet official co-production requirements.

Is official co-production status required?

Yes. Projects must generally qualify as official co-productions under a bilateral treaty or the European Convention on Cinematographic Co-Production.

Are projects involving the UK eligible for a waiver of official status requirements?

No. The official status requirement cannot be waived for UK co-productions.

Conclusion

The Fiction: Creative Co-Production Grant Programme provides valuable support for Irish producers developing international feature films through meaningful creative partnerships. By funding projects with strong Irish involvement, official co-production structures, and global audience potential, the programme strengthens Ireland’s position within the international film industry while creating opportunities for Irish talent and filmmakers.