TG4 and Údarás na Gaeltachta announced the details of a new drama development scheme specifically for television producers in Donegal at an event today in Gaoth Dobhair.
The aim of the new scheme is to boost the audio-visual industry in the Donegal Gaeltacht.
Expressions of interest are being sought from qualified production companies to develop and produce a drama series that will be set in Ulster and will be broadcast during prime-time on TG4. The series will be a six-part, with each episode fifty minutes in duration, and have the potential to be re-commissioned on an annual basis.
The drama series sought will be contemporary and set in Ulster for a general audience. Ideas that are bold and creative are sought.
Applicants should have a strong drama background and a good grasp of storytelling. The drama script must be written in Irish, aimed at habitual Irish speakers while also attracting a wider English speaking audience.
Co-funding opportunities will be available for the successful company.
TG4 and Údarás na Gaeltachta will collaborate to support the successful company with development opportunities specifically for the needs of this series, including the development of script storytelling and appropriate production facilities.
Production on the new series is expected to begin in Autumn 2023 and will air on TG4 in 2024.
At the launch of the scheme, TG4 Director General Alan Esslemont said: “TG4 wants to strengthen and develop the sector here in the Donegal Gaeltacht.
“This community has a flair for drama and storytelling and have produced successful drama for TG4 in the past including C.U.Burn.
“We want to add to that legacy and create new opportunities and supports for creative companies here which will also underpin the local economy.”
Micheál Ó hÉanaigh, Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said: “We are happy that we can support this scheme and contribute to our ongoing partnership with TG4 and to the aims of Údarás na Gaeltachta in relation to the development of the television sector in Gaeltacht regions.”
For more information about the scheme, contact TG4’s Commissioning Manager, Mary Ellen Ní Chualáin, maryellen.ni.chualain@tg4.ie
