Liam Neeson and Ciaran Hinds In the Land of Saints and Sinners (Image: Netflix) Could you be the next breakout writing talent in Northern Ireland? Northern Ireland Screen has launched its New Writer Focus (NWF) scheme for 2024-2025 and are looking for the next big thing in local film and TV. The call comes as local writer Mark McNally’s film, The Land of Saints and Sinners, appeared on Netflix, to critical acclaim. Read more: Liam Neeson’s new action thriller filmed in Ireland hits US cinemas Read more: Northern Ireland's most popular TV and film locations revealed Mark is the most recent NWF recipient and Northern Ireland Screen is on the lookout for other talent from these shores to follow in his footsteps.
The scheme, which is now seeking scripts to develop, is only open to Northern Ireland resident writers new to feature film. Mark McNally - writer of The Land of Saints and Sinners Ursula Devine, Development Executive at Northern Ireland Screen, said this was a great opportunity for aspiring screenwriters. She said: "The NWF scheme is your chance to develop your script and bring it to the attention of industry professionals.
"Whether you’re an emerging voice or a seasoned writer venturing into feature films for the first time, NWF provides an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Mark McNally, Susie Farrell, Tess McGowan and Colum Eastwood.” The latest film to emerge from this partnership was The Last Rifleman, written by New Writer Focus screenwriter, Kevin F.