Communities Minister Gordon Lyons visited Antrim Grammar School to observe education programmes that prepare students for careers in Northern Ireland's screen industry. The visit focused on initiatives delivered by Northern Ireland Screen through Into Film, including ScreenWorks and Story Builder.

The Department for Communities allocated £352,000 to fund these programmes. Lyons met students and examined their practical projects, which included a life-size replica of the R2D2 droid from Star Wars and a suit of gladiator armour.

Students at the school participate in ScreenWorks, which offers hands-on experience through projects and industry engagement. Pupils have also visited virtual production facilities in Belfast to learn about screen technology.

The programmes aim to strengthen Moving Image Arts studies and introduce students to roles in writing, directing, animation, visual effects and production.

Story Builder serves as an interactive resource for teachers to incorporate storytelling and creative learning across the curriculum. It develops skills like collaboration, communication and creative thinking while highlighting screen industry careers.

StoryBuilder: Filmmaker launched in October 2025 to assist GCSE Moving Image Arts students in structuring film ideas.

Lyons stated that the initiatives demonstrate major growth potential in creative industries, especially screen technology, and help build talent pipelines for local opportunities.

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, noted that the programmes provide hands-on experience and industry insight to create pathways into creative careers.