Between 2024 and 2026, up to six challenge calls will be identified where innovative new thinking could catalyse a step change in the industry, whilst producing learning and insights that benefit the whole screen sector.
Challenge Call 4 – Equitable futures for the screen sector
Funding available: up to £350,000.
As emerging technologies reshape our world, challenges are surfacing around the screen sector’s capacity to keep pace with change; to understand the implications of these technologies and ensure they are applied sustainably and equitably.
Our fifth Innovation Challenge Call seeks to strengthen the industry’s understanding of the impacts of new technologies, enabling them to be harnessed for responsible growth.
It will do this by enabling new research and the development of tools and resources relating to the impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and convergent technologies on three critical areas within the screen sector: equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), the future of the workforce and environmental sustainability.
This work will allow us to understand the human and planetary impacts of new technologies, helping ensure that while they reshape the screen sectors, they do so for the maximum public good.
When you can apply
The deadline for applications is midnight on Thursday 17 July. Awards are expected to be made in September 2025.
You need to read the funding guidelines before you apply. The application link is included in the guidelines.
Get access support
We can provide assistance to you if you have access requirements and need some support to apply. See Access support for BFI funding applicants.
If you have any questions about the fund, email innovationchallengefund@bfi.org.uk
Previous challenge calls
Video games (challenge call 1)
The fund’s first challenge call supported innovation in the UK video games sector. Applications for this call are now closed.
Successful awardees have been announced (download the PDF).
You can also find information about the video game challenge call.
AI in screen and moving image archives (challenge call 2)
The fund’s second challenge call supported moving image archives to develop skills and AI literacy across the sector. Applications for this call are now closed.
The successful awardee has been announced. You can find information about the AI in screen challenge call.
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) data for film production (challenge call 3)
The fund’s third challenge seeks to accelerate the research and innovation around equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) data monitoring, and support the development of the best possible system to do this work. Applications for this call are now closed.
You can find information about the EDI data for film production challenge call.