DL170 - Certificate The Animation Lab -
Producers as Entrepreneurs
This course is currently offered in collaboration with Creative Futures Academy (CFA). CFA is a ground-breaking partnership between: The National College of Art and Design, University College Dublin, and the Institute of Art, Design + Technology. Our tailored programmes and micro courses offer access to expertise and networks across the three leading creative institutions and our industry partners. Learn with us as we experiment, innovate and respond to change.
What is Producers as Entrepreneurs?
The Animation LAB – Producers as Entrepreneurs course has been developed with experienced Animation Producer Stephen Fagan, Managing Director of Studio Meala, and the support of CCIS and NTAA. The course will also include industry experts delivering masterclasses, seminars and tutorial support.
The philosophy of the course is to educate creative and entrepreneurial producers, to preach art but teach commerce; not how to make animation but how to get animation made. To build a community of practice and network of emerging talent with the skills to create the projects and companies of the future.
The course is focused on developing the next generation of creative producers working in animation, and designed for aspiring and early career producers who want to creatively lead animation projects with confidence, creativity, and strategic foresight. The central focus of this course is the 3-day residency programme in Carrick on Shannon (County Roscommon) and the 3-day conference in Dún Laoghaire (County Dublin).
These sessions will bring experienced industry experts together to deliver key insights and practical masterclasses, as well as one-on-one mentoring and networking opportunities.
Through a blend of practical workshops, industry-led seminars, and collaborative projects, you will develop the core skills required to actively develop, finance and complete projects to bring to global markets.
The course will cover project development, pitching and networking, working with partners, commissioners and funders, financing, legal aspects, and animation production.
What will I study?
This course will provide you with the skills required to perform the role and analyse the responsibilities of the creative animation producer in terms of company and production finance, entertainment and media law, as well as animated project development and production. Indicative content includes:
- The role of the creative producer in project development.
- Financial and business structures in the Irish, European and global screen industries.
- Sources of finance: co-production partners, funding agencies, and private/commercial investors.
- Marketing, sales agents, promotion, distribution, exhibition.
- Co‐production agreements, distribution, and contracts.
- Principals of copyright, intellectual property, literary properties, underlying rights & clearances.
- Music copyright: performers’ rights, synchronisation rights, publishing rights, music returns.
- Union agreements, basic employment law, relevant to film and television production.
You will take part in a series of lectures, workshops and seminars with relevant industry bodies, legal and accountancy experts.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through class engagement and assignments. There are no written examinations.
Dates + Times
Induction (online | 6.30pm): 22nd December 2025
Classes (online | 6pm – 9pm):
- 22nd + 29th January 2026
- 5th, 12th + 19th February
In person residency: 24th – 26th February in Carrick On Shannon, Co. Roscommon
Classes (online | 6pm – 9pm): 5th, 12th + 26th March
In person conference: 18th – 20th March in Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
Tutorials (online): 13th – 17th April (schedule TBC)
Final Submission: 22nd April
