WICKLOW SHORT FILM AWARD 2024

Screen Wicklow and Wicklow Arts Office are pleased to announce a new Wicklow Short Film Award scheme for 2024. The purpose of the award is to support Wicklow filmmakers to make high-quality, original films in Co. Wicklow.  Narrative films, documentary, digital film and animation are all eligible to apply. The Wicklow Short Film Award is funded by Wicklow County Council and Creative Ireland. 

For 2024, there will be a maximum of 2 grants of up to €15,000 each for the production of a short film or documentary. Films should be approximately 10-15 minutes in duration, although animation projects may be shorter.  The total fund therefore for award in 2024 is €30,000.00.

This is a film production award, and scripts must be fully developed prior to applying. This award cannot be used to develop scripts or ideas, and films must be ready to go into production within two months of funding being awarded. Films must be shot in County Wicklow. 

We are seeking applicants who have a track record of filmmaking, and who have already built a portfolio of high-quality, creative and original film. Applicants may apply individually but priority will be given to applicants who have already assembled a core creative team (including writer, director & producer).  

Wicklow County Council has a strong history of supporting the development of the film industry in the county, and is proud to be host to a bourgeoning professional commercial film sector.  It is our intention that making these two awards available will have a significant impact on two film makers and their progression in the film industry.  

Please note that successful applicants must have a registered production company in order to draw down the funding, and appropriate insurance must be in place prior to the commencement of filming.  In collaboration with Clermont Screen Hub, successful applicants will also receive additional supports including access to co-working space. 

Screen Wicklow will also assist grant recipients with locations, permits etc. and where possible, Wicklow Arts Office and Screen Wicklow will seek to facilitate screening opportunities for the two successfully funded films. 

An online Information Session will be held on Thursday 18th April (12.30pm – 2pm) where applicants can ask questions about the award, and seek clarifications about the application process. 

Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4611890290?pwd=U0tlMThXeHVPWWlyck9DOHBTa204QT09&omn=89800325355

Questions and enquiries about the Wicklow Short Film Award may be directed to filmaward@wicklowcoco.ie and an FAQ document will be published online.  The closing date for applications is Friday 24th May at 4pm. 

The primary applicant must be native to County Wicklow or residing in County Wicklow for the past three consecutive years. For all further eligibility criteria and funding guidelines please see https://www.wicklow.ie/Business/Film

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA & FUNDING GUIDELINES

· The primary applicant must be native to County Wicklow or residing in County Wicklow for the past three consecutive years. 

· Part-time or full-time students are not eligible to apply. 

· The main applicant must apply through a registered limited company. Company registration details will be requested on the Application Form. 

· Applicants must be fully tax compliant and must provide a Tax Clearance Access Number on their application form. 

· Projects that require significant additional finance (unless this is already in place) are not eligible. 

· Films that have either been part-shot or fully shot are not eligible. 

· A maximum of 2 projects may be submitted by any applicant,  a separate application form must be submitted for each proposal.

· Applicants must have a track record of filmmaking, and a portfolio of high-quality, creative and original film.

· The majority of each film must be shot in County Wicklow.

· Shortlisted applicants must be available to attend an interview/pitching session on 13th and 14th June 2024. Specific dates and times will be communicated when applicants have been shortlisted. 

APPLICATION PROCESS 

The Application Process will involve two stages, with shortlisted applicants being required to attend an interview/pitching session with a panel of industry specialists. 

All applications must be submitted through the Wicklow Arts Office online application platform ('Submittable'). 

Applicants will be required to submit the following: 

· Completed Application Form (online) 

· Project Synopsis (500 words) to include an outline of the plot

· Logline (50 words max) 

· Copy of the full script/screenplay (please ensure the writer’s name has been removed from this document) 

· Project Plan (include proposed film schedule, filming locations, proposed casting etc.) 

· Film Festival/Screening Strategy (please provide information about your planned submissions to film festivals, or other screening opportunities)

· Project Budget (including all production costs, cast, crew, travel, logistics, music etc.). If additional finance has been secured, please provide proof of funds

· CV of the Primary Applicant, and for any other confirmed member of the creative team (eg. director, producer, cast etc.) 

· Links to showreel, or samples of previous work (including main applicant and other confirmed team members

· Director/Producer’s Notes and Insights (include considerations on visual style, treatment, approaches etc.)

· Evidence/Confirmation of Ownership of Rights 

· In the case of animation projects, please include visual samples (characters, backgrounds etc) where possible. 

· In the case of a documentary which focuses on another person’s life story (or similar topic), please submit a signed statement from the relevant person/people verifying that they have given their permission for the film. 

· Additional relevant supporting material may be submitted at the discretion of the applicant. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

Applications will be assessed against 5 assessment criteria with weightings applied as below.

· The creativity/quality of the project proposal. [25/100]

· The considerate and appropriate use of County Wicklow as a filming location. [20/100]

· The track record of the main applicant. [25/100]

· The track record, capacity and ability of the creative team to deliver the project. [25/100]

· Proposed Film Festival/Screening Strategy [5/100] 

TERMS OF FUNDING 

· All films must be shot for the most part in County Wicklow. Where possible, post-production should also take place in County Wicklow. Screen Wicklow and Clermont Screen Hub will provide support to successful applicants in this regard. 

· Appropriate insurance must be in place prior to filming take place, and proof of insurance will be requested by the funders. 

· If production has not commenced within 2 months of the grant being awarded, the funders reserve the right to award the funding to another candidate  (allocated in order of application scoring). 

· The legal rights to all materials submitted (including scripts, screenplays, treatments, characters etc.) must be fully and completely owned by the applicant. Scripts/screenplays must be the original work of the applicant. If a script/screenplay is an adaptation of an existing work (eg. short story), relevant legal documentation must be submitted proving that the applicant owns all underlying rights to make the adaptation. 

· Applicants will be required to have completed all filming, editing and post-production before Friday 29th November 2024. Please ensure your filming schedule allows for this timeframe. 

· Wicklow County Council, Wicklow Arts Office, Screen Wicklow and Creative Ireland must be acknowledged in the film credits, as well as on all related websites, social media, publicity and marketing materials. The relevant logos must be included in the final cut of the finished films. 

· Health & Safety Regulations, Equal Opportunities Policies, Child Protection & Safeguarding, Garda Vetting and other relevant policies and legislation must be in place and adhered to at all times. 

· If shortlisted, the main applicant must attend an in-person interview where they will be invited to pitch their film to a panel of industry specialists. It is advisable that all members of the core creative team (writer, director, producer) also attend this interview. 

Disclaimer – please read carefully It will be a condition of any application for funding under the terms and conditions of the Wicklow County Council – Creative Ireland project that the applicant has read, understood and accepted the following: 

1. Wicklow County Council shall not be liable to the applicant or any other party in respect of any loss, damage or costs of any nature arising directly or indirectly from: 

• The application or the subject matter of the application. 
• The rejection for any reason of any application. 

2. Wicklow County Council shall not be held responsible or liable, at any time in any circumstances, in relation to any matter whatsoever arising in connection with the administration of activities. In respect of monies provided by Wicklow County Council, the Council does not undertake the role of ‘Client’ or ‘Employer’ as defined in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

3. By submitting an application, applicants agree to the processing and disclosure of the applicant’s information by Wicklow County Council, and to other third parties if required for Fund administration, reporting, evaluation and audit purposes; and successful applicants further consent to the disclosure of this information (e.g. name of successful applicant, amount of award, event details, etc.) by these parties in connection with the marketing or promotion of the Fund.  Personal data will be processed only in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Data Protection legislation. 

Awards maybe divided or withheld at the discretion of Wicklow County Council.  The assessment panel decision is final. 

Late and / or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Funded by Wicklow County Council and Creative Ireland
 

The Sing in Wicklow Award has been specifically created to advance the professional development of choirs, singing groups, and professional choir leaders in order to extend valuable opportunities for community participation in choral singing. 

This Award forms part of a wider set of actions created by Wicklow County Council and funded by Creative Ireland to support the existing community choral infrastructure and enhance participation levels under the Creative Wicklow Strategy 2023 – 2027. 

The Award is being administered by Wicklow County Council, and will be evaluated by the Wicklow County Arts Office.

Who is eligible to apply
All choirs, singing groups and musical directors based in County Wicklow can apply. All proposals should be of benefit to the residents of the county. 

Applications can be made by choir/singing group members or musical directors. The lead applicant is required to have a bank account into which the awarded funds will be deposited if the application is successful. The lead applicant must pay any expenses relating to the successful application directly from the awarded funds.

All proposed projects/events/initiatives must be completed before September 30th 2024.

What amounts are available
Grants of up to €1,000 will be allocated per selected proposal. The fund is limited and eligible applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis. There is no guarantee of funding for projects which achieve the minimum eligibility criteria.

How to 

You should apply directly to Wicklow County Arts Office. Only completed submissions received via the approved application process will be considered. 

Applications can only be made through *Submittable where you will be able to upload all supporting material along with your application form. The *Submittable platform works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported.

Applications must be received by 4pm on May 10th 2024.  Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

If successful, how funding is drawn down
  Payment will be made to successful applicants on signing a 'Letter of Agreement' and confirmation of appropriate insurance cover being in place.
 

On completion of the project, a short 'Project Report Form' (to be supplied by Wicklow County Council) must be completed and include the following:

• A copy of the project output or other evidence that the project is complete e.g. photographic and/or video graphic evidence
• A final expenditure budget for the project along with evidence of payments /receipts to all parties.
• Copies of all press and media coverage

What typical projects are included in this fund?

• Take part in specialist professional workshops for choir members 
• Facilitate inter-choir collaborations, such as performances, training, peer learning, and networking
• Attend and/or participate in choir competitions 
• Support the recruitment of new members 
• Increase capacity within existing choral groups
• Purchase equipment and instruments
• Commission strategic development and planning

What items and expenses are excluded from the fund? 

• Spend on alcoholic beverages, fines, penalty payments, legal cost, audit fees or general overheads (e.g. rent, utility bills).
• Expenditure which was incurred prior to the approval of grant aid.

Acknowledgement
Successful applicants will receive a 'Letter of Offer'.  Once you have been notified that your application has been successful, you must ensure that your project is promoted as part of this initiative, appropriate guidelines to support this will be included in your 'Letter of Offer'. 

Please note:  Wicklow County Council and Creative Ireland Logos/ acknowledgement must feature on all publicity, press and marketing material produced in connection with grant aided projects.

Conditions

• All awards are subject to the availability of funds. Awards may be withheld or divided at the discretion of Wicklow County Council.
• The lead applicant (choir member or musical director) is required to have a bank account into which the awarded funds will be deposited if the application is successful. The lead applicant must pay any expenses relating to the successful application directly from the awarded funds.
• All choirs must be based in County Wicklow and be of benefit to the residents of the county. Applicants must clearly indicate their relationship with the county as outlined in the application form.
• Applicants must provide evidence that any organisational commitment referenced by the choir in support of their application has been confirmed, e.g. letters of support to show that a particular mentor is available, a place on a course is secured, or confirmation of participation in a choir competition. 
• Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted online via the link provided on our website.
• Applications must be complete and have all relevant supporting documentation. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted. 
• No emailed applications will be accepted. Applicants must apply through our online platform.
• All applications must adhere to the guidelines set out.
• An online acknowledgement will be sent to the applicant confirming receipt of an application.
• Applicants will be notified of outcomes as soon as is practicable, however, it is anticipated that the overall process from the submission of applications to notification will take 6-8 weeks.
• Successful applicants will be required to submit documentation and high-quality visuals along with a brief report and an income and expenditure account at project completion.
• Wicklow County Council must be credited in any publicity relating to the work which was supported under this scheme. A letter of offer will set out our specific branding and crediting requirements.
• Where relevant, compliance with best practice and legislation in child protection as outlined by the Department of Health and Children must be adhered to. While it is expected that proposals should be realised in full within the timeframe specified in the application.
• Wicklow County Council reserves the right to review the award scheme at any time and as a result may make any changes necessary without any prior notice.
• Applicants are required to read the Wicklow County Council GDPR statement in its entirety.
   

For queries on submitting your Award application to Wicklow Arts Office please email wao@wicklowcoco.ie

Disclaimer – please read carefully
   It will be a condition of any application for funding under the terms and conditions of the Wicklow County Council – Creative project that the applicant has read, understood and accepted the following: 

1. Wicklow County Council shall not be liable to the applicant or any other party in respect of any loss, damage or costs of any nature arising directly or indirectly from: 

• The application or the subject matter of the application. 
• The rejection for any reason of any application. 

2. Wicklow County Council shall not be held responsible or liable, at any time in any circumstances, in relation to any matter whatsoever arising in connection with the administration of activities. In respect of monies provided by Wicklow County Council, the council does not undertake the role of ‘Client’ or ‘Employer’ as defined in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

3. By submitting an application, applicants agree to the processing and disclosure of the applicant’s information by Wicklow County Council, and to other third parties if required, for Fund administration, reporting, evaluation and audit purposes; and successful applicants further consent to the disclosure of this information (e.g. name of successful applicant, amount of award, event details, etc.) by these parties in connection with the marketing or promotion of the Fund.  Personal data will be processed only in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Data Protection legislation.