The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) was founded in 2003. The Irish Academy's aim is to stimulate original and creative production work and encouraging excellence through recognition, education and leadership in film and television. The Irish Academy is a Founding Member of FAN-E (Film Academies Network of Europe.) Academy members are over 1,000 Irish professionals working in film and television industry across fourteen chapters of discipline including directing, writing, acting, producing, cinematography, craftsmanship and technical.