Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet

Your creative work speaks for itself but does your personal brand? Join the course Building a Personal Brand in the Creative Industries on 24 June in Galway and learn how to present yourself with confidence, communicate your value and create new career opportunities. Perfect for freelancers, filmmakers, designers, writers, animators, developers and creative professionals looking to strengthen their visibility and professional presence. Led by talent strategist and career coach Sinéad D’Arcy. 📍 Galway 📅 24 June 2026 ⏰ Register here by 15 June at 12 noon: https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/building-a-personal-brand-in-the-creative-industry-june-2026/ #CreativeCareers #CreativeIndustries #GalwayEvents @skillnetireland

The Story Room – How to devise and develop stories for TV in a writer’s room environment Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet is seeking expressions of interest for a story workshop using a writer’s room format to teach the basics of structure for television episodes and TV series. The programme will be led by Ciarán Hayden, a writer, producer, and story consultant with over twenty years’ experience in the television industry in Ireland and the UK. He has written, storylined, and script edited everything from childrens’ animation, to soap, to hour-long medical and police procedural dramas. 🚨 Deadline to express your interest: Monday 8th June at 12 noon. 📍 Location: Dublin A brilliant opportunity for writers with backgrounds in film, TV, theatre, or prose to strengthen both their storytelling and collaborative creative practice. Ciarán will act as a hands-on story producer / head writer to a team of 9-12 writers across four day-long story sessions. Express your interest here: https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/expression-of-interest-the-story-room-how-to-devise-and-develop-stories-for-tv-in-a-writers-room-environment-dublin-july-2026/

An Introduction to Film Production | North West Region https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/an-introduction-to-film-production-june-to-august-2026/ 🎬 Interested in breaking into the film industry? Cultural and Creative Industries Skillnet, through the Skills Connect initiative, is offering a FREE Introduction to Film Production course from 22 June – 14 August in Ballymote, Co. Sligo, in partnership with Creative Heartlands. Designed for people in the North West region who are unemployed or underemployed, this hands-on programme provides practical training across all aspects of filmmaking, including directing, camera, lighting, sound, production, scriptwriting, design, and editing using Da Vinci Resolve. Led by three experienced film practitioners, participants will work together to create a short film while gaining real on-set crew experience and valuable technical skills. 🎥 No previous film industry experience required 📍 Ballymote, Co. Sligo Cost: FREE – as part of the CCIS Skills Connect programme. Applicants must be unemployed or underemployed to take part in this training. A great opportunity to gain industry experience, build confidence, and develop creative and technical skills in a collaborative environment. Apply here https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/an-introduction-to-film-production-june-to-august-2026/ ⏰Deadline for applications is Tuesday 2nd of June at 12noon. #FilmProduction #CreativeIndustries #SkillsConnect #FilmTraining #NorthWestIreland #CreativeCareers #CCISkillnet #CreativeHeartlands @skillnetireland @leitrimcountycouncil @roscommoncountycouncil @sligocountycouncil @screenproducersireland @screendirectors @screenguilds

Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, supported through the Skills Connect initiative, the National Talent Academy VFX, and @amazon , are excited to offer 15 applicants a place on this FREE six-week Introduction to Compositing training course, followed by a two-week paid work placement. https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/introduction-to-compositing-plus-work-placement-commencing-june-2026/ The course, coordinated by @creativemediaacademyireland and taught by David Thomas—whose credits as a compositor include Game of Thrones, The Irishman, Stranger Things, The Penguin, and Shōgun—runs for six weeks and combines lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and self-directed learning with assignments. The lectures cover core topics such as the fundamentals of rotoscoping and the effective use of Nuke. 📍Location: Dublin Cost: FREE – as part of the CCIS Skills Connect programme. Applicants must be unemployed or underemployed to take part in this training. Apply here https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/introduction-to-compositing-plus-work-placement-commencing-june-2026/ ⏰Deadline for applications is Wednesday 3 June at 12 noon. 15 places only @skillnetireland @nationaltalentacademies @screenguilds @screenproducersireland @screenscenepost @amazonireland

That’s a wrap on the Catalyst Onboarding Pilot Programme ✨ Over the last six months a group of mentors and mentees from @designworks_dublin , @millimetredesign , @boxclever_ie , TVM and @iris_racing_ came together to learn, grow, and build a stronger culture of development within their organisations. The final session was all about reflection, shared experiences, and celebrating progress. Huge thanks to everyone involved, and to our partners @designskillnet and @thebravelab 🙌 #mentorshipprogramme #mentors #mentees #learningculture #growth @skillnetireland

We are delighted to be supporting the Women In Animation networking event this Friday, along with @animationireland . See you there... @wia.ireland

@creativeireland , together with Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, was delighted to bring over 70 creative and cultural organisations together at the Creative Careers Leadership Summit: Developing the Future Workforce in Dublin last Wednesday, 15th April. Over the morning, creative leaders from across the island of Ireland had thoughtful conversations about the creative sector and working with young people. There was also strong enthusiasm for the Government’s new Creative Calling initiative, along with ideas for its future direction. Sara Whybrew, Head of Skills and Workforce Development at the @britishfilminstitute , opened the event with valuable insights from her experience developing collective programmes for young people in the UK. Thanks to our partners in this initiative: @screenireland @cnam.ie @artscouncilireland Thanks also to #SharedIsland for their support. Watch this space 👀

Introducing Transitioning from Documentary to Drama Directing. This intensive hands on 4 day course, run in partnership with@screenireland led by award-winning director Conor Morrissey, is aimed at directors with a documentary background who want to transition into the world of television drama. Acknowledging that documentary directors already have an incredibly useful skillset the course will explore how these skills can be effectively utilized in the service of scripted drama. https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/transitioning-from-documentary-to-drama-directing-march-2026/

Breakout – Development Engine Room (Unscripted TV) - Taking Your Unscripted TV Concept From Good to Unmissable Too many talented producers and indies pitch their TV concepts before they’re truly market-ready — and in today’s competitive, global landscape, you rarely get a second chance at a first impression. We are excited to share a powerful opportunity for creators looking to strengthen their commissioning success. Designed by industry leader Colin Pauser-Cowman this intensive end-to-end programme helps participants identify the strongest unscripted concepts from their slate and transform them into market-ready projects using best-practice development techniques. What participants can expect: Across five focused half‑day sessions (delivered onsite or online), you’ll work one‑to‑one with Colin Pauser-Cowman and Eilish Kent to refine, elevate, and strategically position your original TV concepts for commissioning, funding, and international co‑production opportunities. The programme includes: • TV Concept, Format & Slate Development – Identifying the front‑runners • Genre‑Specific Training & Development – Matching concepts to market needs • Pitch Clinic – Honing story, structure, and delivery for maximum impact • Funding Application Clinic – Understanding best practice and opportunities • Commissioner Pitch Prep – Coaching and rehearsal • Pitch Strategy – Planning for domestic and international success With over 30 years of combined experience in development, funding, and commissioning, Colin and Eilish bring unparalleled insight and practical guidance to every stage of the process. If you’re ready to sharpen your edge, elevate your project, and pitch with confidence, this programme is designed for you. Apply here https://lnkd.in/exDiHt8z Deadline for applications is Friday 27th March at 12noon

Character Bust Sculpting Workshop | Galway | March 2026 https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/cfa-iadt-character-bust-sculpting-galway-esf-2026/ We’re excited to open applications for this hands-on sculpting workshop delivered in partnership with Creative Futures Academy , led by fabricator and visual storyteller Paul McDonnell (Stiúideo Fia). This immersive course takes participants from concept and anatomy study through to a finished character bust, blending practical sculpting skills with professional presentation techniques. Dream up your own character - an ancient elder, a creepy zombie, a wild monster, or a hero from your favourite tale. Go as weird or wonderful as you like - the only limit is your imagination! Over six intensive studio days (plus an online orientation), participants will learn: • Head anatomy and its application to character design • Armature building and sculpting techniques • Surface detailing for realism or stylisation • Professional presentation and photography for portfolio use Location: Stiúideo Fia, Lettermore, Co. Galway This course is ideal for artists, animators, model makers, puppet fabricators, or visual artists looking to expand their 3D character sculpting skills and create a standout piece for their portfolio. More info and application details available at: https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/cfa-iadt-character-bust-sculpting-galway-esf-2026/ #EUinMyRegion THIS PROGRAMME IS CO FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND AND THE EUROPEAN UNION #CreativeSkillnet #CreativeFuturesAcademy #CharacterSculpting #Modelmaking #StopMotion #IrishCreatives #GalwayArts #HandsOnLearning #SculptureWorkshop

Production Management for Animation is back this October. This practical, industry-focused programme is a collaboration between Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology and Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet. https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/cfa-iadt-production-management-for-animation-esf-2026/ Whether you’re already in production or looking to step into a leadership role, this 15-week remote evening course will walk you through the full pipeline, from concept development to final delivery. You’ll gain: - Skills in managing animation pipelines - Hands-on experience building a production plan - NFQ Level 9 Certification Starts: 27th October 2026 CCIS Membership Rate: €600 (normally €1100) Remote | 15 weeks | 18 places only Apply now or learn more via https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/cfa-iadt-production-management-for-animation-esf-2026/ #EUInMyRegion THIS PROGRAMME IS CO FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

The Certificate in Writing Television Drama from Creative Futures Academy and Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology supported by Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, is now open for 2026 enrolment. https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/cfa-iadt-certificate-in-writing-television-drama-esf-2026/ In this 10-week part-time course, you’ll develop your skills as a TV writer with support from Eilish Kent – a seasoned expert in Irish and UK television. What you’ll gain: - A professionally polished pilot script - A one-page pitch for your original TV drama - Practice pitching to a real panel - Insight into contracts, copyright, and creative careers - A personal development strategy tailored to you Starts: 8th September 2026 Evening + weekend sessions Online CCIS Rate: €925 (normally €1700) Perfect for writers ready to take their first (or next) step into showrunning, drama development, or series creation. Learn more + apply via https://www.creativeskillnet.ie/course/cfa-iadt-certificate-in-writing-television-drama-esf-2026/ THIS PROGRAMME IS CO FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND AND THE EUROPEAN UNION #EUInMyRegion #TVDrama #Screenwriting #CreativeSkillnet #CreativeFutures #IADT #IrishWriters #WomenInTV #WritersRoom #FutureSkills #LifelongLearning