Funding available for NI animation sector
Apply for Northern Ireland Screen’s animation funding – up to £40,000 for short films by emerging creators.
Up to £40,000 is available for short films by emerging creators
Northern Ireland Screen is inviting applications for its Creative Animation Scheme, which supports emerging animation talent through the production of short films.
The scheme is open to Northern Ireland-based animation companies working with junior creators who are not company principals or involved in IP creation.
To be eligible, companies must:
- have a long-term base in Northern Ireland
- employ at least five full-time staff (including short-term contracts)
- have the facilities to produce and deliver an animated short
Funding of up to £40,000 is available per project. Films must be 5 to 10 minutes long and delivered by 28 November 2026. Up to two projects will be funded in the 2025–26 financial year, with completed films expected to be submitted to accredited festivals.
How to apply
Interested businesses must contact Northern Ireland Screen’s Talent Executive Christine Morrow by email (christine@northernirelandscreen.co.uk) to discuss a potential application before applying. After this discussion, a link to the online application form will be sent out.
Applications close on Friday 19 September 2025.
Find full guidelines and application details on the Northern Ireland Screen website.
First published 7 August 2025