Screen Skills Ireland, the skills development unit within Screen Ireland, is delighted to announce the introduction of a new structured mentoring scheme, Screen Mentoring. Over 100 Irish and international industry professionals from the film, TV, animation, VFX and Immersive Technology sectors have signed up to be mentors for the scheme to give something back to the industry by sharing their knowledge and experience. The scheme will support 50 mentees to avail of mentor support throughout 2020.
Mentors who have signed up to the scheme include Lenny Abrahamson (‘Normal People’), Michael Zam (‘Feud: Bette and Joan’), Ed Guiney (Element Pictures), Cathal Gaffney (Brown Bag Films), Colum Slevin (Facebook AR/VR), Shannon George (‘Blues Clues’), Jo Homewood (‘Black ‘47’), Gilly Fogg (‘Bob The Builder’), Paul Walker (‘EastEnders’), Lisa Mulcahy (‘Years and Years’), Grainne Humphreys (VMDIFF), Alix Wiseman (9 Story), and Patrick O’Neill (Wildcard Distribution). Mentors will provide support across the areas of Business & Producing, Production, Creative & Development and Distribution & Festivals
Award-winning Production Designer and industry mentor, Tom Conroy (‘Vikings’, ‘Tudors’, ‘Intermission’) said “I’m delighted to be part of the Screen Mentoring initiative. When I started off in the film & TV industry, which happened to be in the UK, I was mentored by a number of prominent production designers… I wish to pay it forward, as they generously gave me advice and experience which has proven to be invaluable.”
Gareth Lee, Manager at Screen Skills Ireland, added “We’re delighted to introduce this new Screen Mentoring initiative. Mentoring is a proven way of supporting career progression and this scheme will allow upcoming talent to enhance their development with guidance and support from experienced professionals.”
The Screen Mentoring scheme will provide screen professionals with mentoring support at key stages in their career development that will encompass business, creative and/or technical mentoring. Mentors will offer their mentees practical, tailored advice and guidance based on their industry experience, on a one to one basis. The mentoring will be offered remotely online due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19.
With a panel of key industry mentors now assembled, Screen Skills Ireland is looking for applications from mentees who are seeking the support and guidance of a mentor to learn and grow professionally. In order to apply for the scheme, prospective mentees should visit https://screenmentoring.ie/ and complete the online application form.
The scheme is open to industry professionals working in the Irish screen sector with a minimum of three year’s full-time relevant experience. Diversity and inclusion will be factored into the selection process for all mentees. All mentoring will be offered remotely online due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19 restrictions.
