At Tilting the Lens, we believe in storytelling that reflects the full diversity of our communities, and in creating meaningful opportunities for employment and career progression for disabled people. In 2024, we took a meaningful step toward fulfilling that mission. We partnered with the National Talent Academies (NTA), which is an initiative by Screen Ireland to drive Irish creative talent from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Together, we co-developed and launched Screen Stories: Getting Disabled Writers in the Room, an initiative aimed at amplifying the work of Disabled writers in Irish film.

2024 Pilot Programme

Last year’s pilot programme supported five Disabled writers through a financed programme running from June to December. With access to industry leaders as mentors, skill-building workshops, and professional development opportunities, participants honed their craft in a space where access requirements were respected and creativity could flourish.

Participants engaged in a series of workshops and talks, including:

  • A deep dive into Disabled Representation on TV with Sam Tatlow, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at ITV
  • Script workshops with script consultant and producer, Philip Shelley
  • Feedback sessions with script editor Nadine Flynn
  • Masterclasses with Oscar-winning filmmakers Tom Berkeley and Ross White, and TV writer Peter McKenna
  • Industry insights from professionals such as talent manager and founder of 1IN4 Eryn Brown, and writer, actor and producer Kyla Harris
  • Advice and guidance from script and development executive, Hayley McKenzie, on the range of roles within scripted development and next steps to a screenwriting career

Each writer received a €2,000 bursary to support their progress in the programme, and also benefited from bespoke mentorship tailored to their development goals. This was impactful due to the explicit focus on assisting writers develop their careers with confidence. The mentors in the 2024 programme were:

  • Award-winning writer, director and producer from Dublin, Rioghnach Ní Ghrioghair
  • Theatre director and dramaturge, Lu Kemp
  • Producer, Shauna Shivers
  • Actor, screenwriter, and documentary filmmaker and playwright, John Connors
  • Screenwriter, television writer, and playwright, Michael Zam

Reflecting on her experience, 2024 Screen Stories participant Maura Campbell shared,

Screen Stories was a fantastic opportunity for me to develop my knowledge and skills as a screenwriter in an incredibly supportive environment, where access needs were fully respected and accommodated.

The programme culminated in a table read — bringing their stories to life with professional actors.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Following on from an initial, successful pilot in 2024, Screen Stories returns in 2025 — this time with a refined focus. We are proud to announce our open call for three new writers, who will be selected to undertake a six-month, feature film script development programme. From June to November 2025, participants will:

  • Develop one feature-length script
  • Receive one-to-one mentorship
  • Attend skill-building workshops and talks with leading industry professionals
  • Participate in a professional table read of their script
  • Receive a €2,000 bursary
  • Be supported through a delivery-model that is accessible by design

Our goal is not just to bring Disabled writers into the room — it’s to ensure they are leading the conversation. As Tilting the Lens’ founder and CEO, Sinéad Burke, explains:

This is about equity and excellence. We’re not simply mentoring writers; we’re helping to reshape the Irish film industry so that it finally reflects the diversity of its audiences.

Apply Now for 2025

Applications are open now until Monday, 26 May at 12 noon. The process has been carefully designed to be as accessible and equitable as possible. If you are a Disabled writer — or part of a co-writing team led by a Disabled creative — with a vision for a feature film, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Together with the National Talent Academies, we are committed to continuing this work: dismantling barriers, investing in talent, and amplifying Disabled creatives to tell the stories only they can.

For more information and to apply, visit the NTA website: NTA Screen Stories Information

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