Northern Ireland-based companies may apply for the support scheme

BBC NI and Northern Ireland Screen have launched a new scripted initiative to support new writing, production, directing and acting talent.

Companies with a base in Northern Ireland are eligible for The Green Lit project, with the winning applicants being supported through the production of three new standalone scripted drama or comedy-drama films. The films will be broadcast on BBC One Northern Ireland in 2025 and carried on BBC iPlayer, and will act as ‘proof of concept’ for a bigger TV production.

A variety of editorial proposals will be considered for the Green Lit scheme, including drama, comedy and comedy-drama. Proposals must be submitted by companies with a base in Northern Ireland; projects on which the writers and/or directors are resident in Northern Ireland will be favoured.

Six projects will be selected for an initial phase of funded development. Three of these projects will then be selected to proceed to full production of a short film.

Green Lit launches with a briefing session this week, followed by a networking opportunity in January 2025. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 21 February with delivery of the final chosen films expected in September 2025.

Further information can be found here.

Eddie Doyle, head of commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland, said: “We’re committed to playing our part in the development of the creative sector here and we’re excited to be collaborating once again with our partners in Northern Ireland Screen on the scripted Green Lit initiative.

“We know there is a lot of new and emerging writing, acting, producing and directing talent here in Northern Ireland and Green Lit is a wonderful opportunity to develop and harness that talent with the ultimate goal of seeing a scripted production go to broadcast and with the possibility of developing further into a long-form film or series.”