Green Lit Round Two Announced by Bbc Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen

BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen Launch Green Lit Round Two

The BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen have announced the launch of the second round of the Green Lit short film initiative, which was unveiled at the Belfast Media Festival on 12 November 2025. This initiative aims to support emerging talent in the creative industries by providing a platform for new writers, directors, producers, and actors from Northern Ireland.

Aims and Scope of Green Lit

Green Lit is dedicated to discovering and nurturing the next generation of creative voices in Northern Ireland. The program supports the production of new standalone short scripted comedy or drama films that showcase bold, original storytelling. At the heart of this initiative are the hopes of building a vibrant screen industry within Northern Ireland by fostering local talent.

First Round Success

The first round of Green Lit was highly successful, with three films premiering at the Belfast Media Festival. These include:

• Rewarding, produced by Conker Pictures and written by Matthew McDevitt, featuring Seána Kerslake and Vittorio Angelone.
• Helpless, from Fabel Productions and written by Michael Patrick and Oisín Kearney, starring Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Éanna Hardwicke, and George Robinson.
• Mourning Glory (working title), produced by Fíbín Films and written by Shane McNaughton, featuring Nigel O’Neill and Amy Huberman.

Second Round Details

The second round of the Green Lit initiative will consider a diverse range of editorial proposals including drama, comedy, and comedy-drama. Submissions must come from companies based in Northern Ireland with preference given to projects where the writer and/or director is a resident of Northern Ireland. Six projects will be selected for an initial phase of funded development, after which three will progress to full production as short films.

The duration of most proposals is expected to run between 15-20 minutes, but there are no fixed requirements, and submissions of varying lengths are welcome. Further information on how to apply can be found on the BBC Northern Ireland Commissioning website and the Northern Ireland Screen website early in the new year.

Industry Expert Perspectives

Jason Butler, BBC Northern Ireland Commissioning Editor, expressed excitement about the second round of Green Lit, stating, “We’re delighted to launch the second round of Green Lit in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen, building on the success of the first round and the incredible talent showcased in the three completed films.” He added that Green Lit is about discovering and nurturing the next generation of creative voices in Northern Ireland, giving them a platform to tell bold, original stories.

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the quality and ambition of the first round’s projects. “Following the success of the first round, it’s fantastic to see Green Lit return with another opportunity for emerging local talent to shine,” he said. The partnership between BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen continues to strengthen the talent pipeline, empowering writers, directors, and producers to develop their craft and deliver original, high-quality stories.

Future Prospects

The launch of Green Lit Round Two signals a continued commitment from both organizations to support and foster emerging talent in Northern Ireland. As applications open early in the new year, aspiring filmmakers and writers are encouraged to submit their projects, with the potential for significant exposure and development opportunities.