€50,000 incubator fund launched for Irish genre writers

Two-time Irish advertising ‘Company of the Year’ Banjoman Films is marking the launch of their film and TV division under the banner BMAN Entertainment with a scheme dedicated to supporting Irish screenwriters working on their first or second feature film with a project that leans into the thriller, horror or sci-fi genres.

Three writers will be awarded a share of the €50,000 pot towards the writing of their screenplay and receive ongoing development support with a view to the projects being produced by BMAN Entertainment and Forty Foot Pictures, and sold internationally by Bankside Films.

Banjoman first forayed into the film space with feature drama King Frankie starring Peter Coonan, released in Irish cinemas last year, and are now formalising their expansion into the film and television business with BMAN Entertainment. Forty Foot Pictures were behind Netflix hit I Used To B eFamous and the upcoming mockumentary Fran The Man, whilst Bankside Films have represented over 100 films including Irish successes The Hole In The Ground and I Am Not Your Mother.

Dermot Malone, founder of BMAN said of the launch: “Through BMAN, we want to develop original IP for the international market and what better way to kick off than to seek out bold and unexpected ideas from emerging Irish creatives. To partner with Forty Foot and Bankside, both of whom have a body of work and experience we massively admire, is an incredible privilege.”

Collie McCarthy of Forty Foot Pictures added: “Ireland has been home to some standout genre projects and filmmakers over the last few years and I’m really excited to see what gems we can uncover with this incubator.”

Stephen Kelliher of Bankside Films shared his enthusiasm for the scheme: “We are thrilled to be embarking on this new collaboration with both BMan Entertainment and Forty Foot Pictures. Ireland has such wonderful creative talent and Irish cinema has always been close to our heart. We look forward to the discovering the next wave of exciting new voices.”

Screenwriters from or living on the island of Ireland are invited to apply with a; 300 word synopsis; 1-2pg writer’s statement; 5-10pg treatment (or script if available); writer’s biography and links to produced work. Materials should be emailed to [email protected] with ‘Incubator: Project Title’ in the subject.

Deadline for applications is 5pm Monday 3rd February 2025. Three projects will be chosen and all applicants notified in March.