Screen Ireland has announced the expansion of the National Talent Academy Network, with the establishment of the new National Talent Academy for VFX.
Screen Ireland has announced the expansion of the National Talent Academy Network, appointing Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet (CCIS) as the lead organisation to manage the establishment of the new National Talent Academy for VFX. The National Talent Academies, an initiative of Screen Ireland, was established to develop a highly skilled, diverse talent and crew base throughout the country, offering a wide range of skills development opportunities for the Irish screen industry.
Retaining the diversity and inclusion focus present across all academy initiatives, its ambition is to drive more Irish talent from all backgrounds and disciplines into the VFX sector and develop greater awareness of the sector as a career path.
Engaging with a wide range of key stakeholders across the country, CCIS will work closely with the regions, community groups, industry bodies and other diverse entities to form a Steering Group at a national level. The Steering Group, along with representatives from Screen Ireland will in turn guide the Academy and sign off on an annual work plan for its fund, valued at €600,000. CCIS will also begin an open recruitment process to appoint a manager to oversee the day-to-day activities of the Academy.
“Screen Ireland is delighted to launch the new National Talent Academy for VFX, joining the agency’s existing National Talent Academy network across live action and animation,” said Colman Farrell, Head of Skills and Professional Development at Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland. “The new academy is designed to address skills needs for the VFX sector as it grows rapidly, and create opportunities for new entrants from a range of diverse backgrounds.”
“CCIS is delighted to be appointed as the lead organisation to manage the establishment of the new National Talent Academy for VFX,” commented Gareth Lee, Manager of CCIS. “The VFX sector in Ireland has been growing steadily in recent years and there is significant potential for the sector to grow even more. We believe the new Academy will play an important role in supporting the sector to address ongoing skills challenges by offering inclusive access opportunities for new entrants, as well as upskilling and progression opportunities for those already working in the sector. We look forward to working closely with stakeholders in the VFX sector, Screen Ireland, and the wider National Talent Academy network to ensure the success of the new National Talent Academy for VFX.”
Over the past 15 years, Irish post-production and VFX has become a leading hub for large scale international productions. Nominated for BAFTAs, Emmys and Visual Effects Society Awards, Irish VFX work is globally recognised. Recent work from Irish VFX houses includes WandaVision, Spiderman: No Way Home, The Irishman and Game of Thrones.
