Alongside our specific call-out for GAA-related programming, if you have ideas for other Sports documentary type programmes for either RTÉ One or RTÉ2 or have a gem of an idea for a series that you think we might be interested in, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Alongside our specific call-out for GAA-related programming, if you have ideas for other Sports documentary type programmes for either RTÉ One or RTÉ2 or have a gem of an idea for a series that you think we might be interested in, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We ask, in the first instance, that producers submit ideas into the eCommissioning system  Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) system under the programme category Sport “General ”.

RTÉ is now seeking proposals for Coimisiún na Meán Sound & Vision 4 – Round 56 – Open Round, to support the production of culturally valuable broadcast content, including content in the Irish language.  

Closing date for submissions to be considered for RTÉ support in Coimisiún na Meán Sound & Vision 4 – Round 56 is Friday 11 April 2025 at 12.00 noon (strict deadline).

During RTÉ’s briefing session to the independent production sector in January, it was highlighted that RTÉ is adopting a targeted approach to Sound & Vision funding rounds. The focus will be on fewer, more ambitious projects that can attract audiences on both linear and online platforms. 

RTÉ is prioritising multi-part series over one-off programmes and encourages proposals to focus on current and future topics rather than nostalgia. Consider what viewers are discussing today, what they are disaffected with, or what excites them. What content might spark debate tomorrow? 

Producers are also encouraged to highlight Ireland’s successes, both domestically and internationally, across various disciplines. Reflect on the Irish experience abroad, especially in a time when Ireland has achieved significant accolades like Oscars and Grammys. What does this say about the evolution of Irish society? Is international success now an expectation? How and why has this happened? 

Content proposals are particularly sought in the following areas: Natural History, Arts, Faith and Ethics, History, Health, Stripped/Live events, and Climate. Projects in these genres can be produced in English, Irish, or bilingually. 

Recent examples include Ireland’s Wild Islands, The Last Priests in Ireland, Zoo Live, and Futureville Ireland. We will also consider presenter-led documentaries that align with the spirit of the Sound & Vision scheme, such as Brendan O’Connor’s Employables, Rising Tides; Ireland’s Future in a Warmer World with Philip Boucher Hayes, and The End of the World with Beanz. 

Special consideration will be given to projects with pre-committed third-party funding from other broadcasters, distributors, or agencies. All proposals should be ambitious and editorially challenging. 

Funding support is also available on a case-by-case basis to develop ideas that RTÉ wishes to support for this round or future Coimisiún na Meán rounds. 

Closing date for submissions to be considered for RTÉ support in Coimisiún na Meán Sound & Vision 4 – Round 56 is Friday 11 April 2025 at 12.00 noon (strict deadline). 

All submissions must include the full production budget, proposed RTÉ funding and other funding in RTÉ’s eCommissioning system. 

Please note only proposals submitted through RTÉ’s eCommissioning system will be considered. 

We ask, in the first instance, that producers submit ideas into the eCommissioning system: Login | RTE under the programme category “Programme Genre - CNM Round 56”, before the above closing date and time. 

CnaM Sound & Vision Rd 56 – dates for RTÉ supported programmes 

RTÉ call-out opens: Friday 28 February 2025 

RTÉ call-out closes: Friday 11 April 2025, 12 noon (strict deadline) 

RTÉ decision on successful applicants: Friday 02 May 2025 

CnaM Rd 56 closes: Thursday 29 May 2025, 12 noon 

The RTÉ timelines are designed to give supported applicants ample time to prepare and submit detailed applications to Coimisiún na Meán. For more information, please visit www.cnam.ie. 

Please ensure you are fully registered on the eCommissioning System well before the closing date, as registrations can take up to 48 hours to process. Late submissions due to late registration will not be accepted. 

History of the Fund

In November 2016, RTÉ and ARTE G.E.I.E., the Strasbourg branch of the Franco-German public broadcaster ARTE, joined forces to develop and co-fund exceptional documentary projects, aiming to bring more Irish content to European audiences. Since then, ARTE G.E.I.E. and RTÉ have invested in a diverse range of Irish documentaries covering factual topics, current affairs, history, and the arts. The collaboration between ARTE commissioning editors and Irish production companies has flourished, creating numerous opportunities for Irish creative talent.

Practical Information

The fund operates on a rolling basis, with projects being developed and funded continuously. We seek standout single documentaries that have secured development or broadcast commitments from an RTÉ Commissioning Editor, which can then be pitched to ARTE’s specific documentary strands. Most documentaries for ARTE are 52 minutes long and do not include commercial breaks. The RTÉ version of the programme should be a 50 minute duration with two commercial breaks as agreed with the RTÉ Commissioning Editor.

RTÉ and ARTE welcome ideas from all genres, including Factual, Specialist Factual, Science and Natural Science, History, Archaeology and Human Endeavour, Current Affairs/Geopolitics, and Arts, Culture, and Music. We are particularly interested in compelling Irish stories with international appeal, whether they focus on ancient or contemporary history, arts, or society/current affairs. Ambitious factual, specialist factual, and arts documentaries that resonate with both Irish and European audiences are highly valued.

Given that ARTE documentaries are broadcast in multiple territories, projects led by voiceovers that can be revoiced in several languages are preferred. Presenter-led documentaries or series are generally not suitable for ARTE, except in rare cases where the presenter is a global icon, such as Angelica Huston on Joyce by Blueprint Films.

Completed projects must be delivered to ARTE 6-8 weeks before the broadcast date to allow time for translation, subtitling, and revoicing in French and German, as well as Polish, Spanish, and Italian for on-demand services. The costs for revoicing and subtitling are covered by ARTE and should not be included in the programme production budgets.

How To Apply

Production companies interested in submitting a programme proposal for the fund should initially submit their proposal through RTÉ’s e-Commissioning system Login | RTE (rtegroup.ie) . Indicate that the idea is suitable for co-production with ARTE and provide information on any other third-party funders if applicable. If the proposal is approved for further consideration, Sarah Ryder, RTÉ’s ARTE lead, will present it to the relevant ARTE commissioning executives.

Further information

For more details on the RTÉ / ARTE G.E.I.E. co-production fund, please contact Sarah Ryder at sarah.ryder@rte.ie.