Are you an aspiring children's animation writer? Looking for a great opportunity to hone your craft with professional insights?

Then we have some fantastic news for you! Screen Ireland are hosting “An Introduction to Writing for Children's Animation In Ireland”—a new course developed in collaboration with Animation Skillnet, Screen Skillnet, Animation Ireland, Cartoon Saloon, Brown Bag Films and 9 Story Media Group. This upskilling opportunity is co-funded through the BAI Sectoral Learning and Development Fund.

The course is a free, six-week online course, aimed at new and diverse writers with a specific interest in writing for children’s television animation. No previous experience in either animation or writing for television is necessary!

We are committed to removing barriers of entry to the industry, and with this in mind we're encouraging applications from writers currently under-represented in TV – including (but not limited to) women, disabled writers, ethnically diverse writers, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Writer and script editor, Dee Roycroft (Cartoon Saloon and Daily Madness), whose recent work includes Ollie for Ink & Light and Jessy and Nessy for Amazon Studios, will be running the course as tutor. Over the past 8 years, Dee has worked on productions for many companies and broadcasters including RTÉ, BBC, CBBC, Telegael, Fíbín, SLR Australia and TG4. She has co-ordinated Fair City’s New Writers’ programme, mentored on initiatives with Galway Film Centre and the WGI, and taught short courses in the Irish Writers Centre and RTÉ.

Our development and creative teams have been busy collaborating with Dee alongside Cartoon Saloon, Screen Skills Ireland, Animation Skillnet, Screen Skillnet, and Animation Ireland to help establish the course content which will explore the world of writing scripts for children’s television animation. From pitching a story idea, to elaborating an outline and ​crafting multiple drafts, students will learn how to receive notes, squeeze in that extra giggle, and navigate the logistics of compliance. Through a mix of online workshops and assignments, the course aims to encourage, support and prepare new writers who want to write for children’s animation (from preschool up).

“As creators and producers of children’s content, Brown Bag Films and 9 Story have an important responsibility. Our shows are watched by millions of kids around the world and the imperative to tell diverse and authentic stories has never been greater. Our animated series celebrate diverse characters that represent the experiences of young viewers in Ireland and around the world. With this course we are excited to welcome new voices that will continue to expand our storytelling perspectives.”

Jennie Stacey, VP, Development & Production, 9 Story Media Group/Brown Bag Films

The course will take place online:

- 6 Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm-8.30pm; March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, April 5th

- 1 of the following Thursday evenings from 6.30pm-8.30pm (individual sessions); March 10th, March 24th, March 31st.

The deadline for applications is12pm on the 11th of February!

For more information and a full breakdown of the course, please visit: Screen Ireland - An Introduction to Writing for Children's Animation In Ireland