The Catalyst International Film Festival, in collaboration with the National Talent Academy for Film and TV Drama and with the support of The Writers’ Guild of Ireland, is organising a dedicated industry day that celebrates the importance of screenwriting as a craft and art form.

Recognising the pivotal role of screenwriting in diversifying the industry and promoting representation, we emphasise the importance of facilitating authentic stories as the initial and most crucial step in creating dynamic, diverse screenplays and characters.

We are in search of new voices, diverse perspectives, and untold narratives. The event will encompass a range of events from panel discussions, talks, Q&As, presentations and carefully curated breakout workshop. All with the opportunity to chat and network with guests and peers.

While the full schedule is to be announced, we are excited to confirm the some of the speakers for Shaping the Future in Screenwriting: Industry Day include:

• Ursula Rani Sarma (screenwriter Delicious 2016; Smother 2021; The Split Up forthcoming BBC)
• Niamh Moriarty (actor Best Interests BBC 2023)
• Victoria Thomas (screenwriter and producer/founder Republic of Story)
• Patricia Kelly, Paul Fitzsimons and Geraldine McAlinden (Verdigris (2023) team)
• Jennifer Davidson (screenwriter Fair City and chair of WGI)
• Tony Schumacher (screenwriter BAFTA award winning The Responder (2022) and season 2 on the way)
• Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor (screenwriters and directors – Baltimore (2023)

Running alongside the 10am – 5pm industry day, we will have two breakout rooms, hosting workshops running in parallel from 11 – 3PM.
Guests can register for the day of talks and attend one of the two workshops.

1. Pitching Workshop
This workshop is aimed at emerging writers with a completed or work in progress script who want to effectively pitch to the industry. After the workshop, selected participants will pitch to the main Screenwriting Industry Day audience and Judging Panel (a selection of our Special Guests) and a small Bursary will be presented to the winner later that evening at our Reception in The Belltable before our main feature screening. 

2. Finding your North Star in your Short Script Workshop with Elaine Walsh
Elaine is a freelance Script Editor/Story Consultant. She develops diverse screen content with writers, Women, LGBTQIA+, BAME, people with disabilities, minority groups. This workshop is aimed at new and emerging voices with a 1-page outline for a Short Film Script to help tease out ideas and develop their work further.

Dates/Duration:   

In Limerick City on Friday 19 April from 9.30 until 4.30pm, follow by networking reception.

Registration and Tea/Coffee 09:30am. 

The industry panels and talks will run from 10am until 5pm, with breakout workshops from 11am to 4pm. 

A full schedule will be provided in advance of the event.

Who Can Apply:   

Practicing or aspiring screenwriters, of any skill or career level, are welcome to join.  

We also welcome RSVP’s, brand new writers and/or member of the wider industry who have an interest in screenwriting or wish to join in on the conversation

All guests must be over eighteen.  

Please note, while WGI members are welcome it is not essential to be a member of the WGI to join us on the day.  

This event is free, but guests must register the Industry Day HERE. 

Deadline is Monday April 15th at 12 noon or when the guest is at capacity.  

The registration is first come, first served. 

Once your RSVP has been submitted, your spot is confirmed. You will receive an email with more details and the location of the event.  

Apply for the Workshops: 

To apply for one of the two workshops, guest must fill out the following application form, HERE 

In this form you will be asked to supply a download (Google Drive or Dropbox preferred) link with the follow materials: 

• Media CV or professional work Bio – detailing relevant experience.  
• Sample of writing, a short film script, one page outline and/or pitch deck of a project you are working on or project you would like to pitch. 
• A short personal statement (up to 2 pages or a filmed statement of up to 3 minutes) detailing how this initiative would support your career development.  

 
Deadline is Thurs April 11th at 12 noon. Selected workshop guest will be received a confirmation email on Friday 12th with more details.  

We encourage anyone apply for the workshop to also register for the full Industry Day. 

Further Information: 

For any questions, please email [email protected] 

The Catalyst International Film Festival runs from 18th – 20th of April, with more info HERE.