BFI NETWORK England short film funding 2023 is now closed for applications.
Our short film funding programme supports projects with directors based in England and is run in partnership with the BFI NETWORK Talent Executives who work with filmmakers on the delivery of funded projects. For directors based outside England or for filmmakers looking for documentary funding opportunities, please visit our funding finder page.
This fund supports the production costs of standalone fiction shorts, in live action, animation and immersive/VR. The fund is intended to stimulate new ideas and stories, so it doesn’t support adaptations of existing material. We welcome applications for amounts from £5,000 up to a maximum of £25,000. We are seeking applications for projects of any length up to a maximum of 15 minutes.
Our funding is accompanied by creative oversight of the project by a locally-based BFI NETWORK Talent Executive. As well as working with filmmakers prior to and during production, the Talent Executives may be able to advise successful projects on:
- finding screening opportunities regionally and further afield
- ways to meet potential collaborators for your project
- festival strategy for your project
- other means to gain industry exposure for your work
BSL Introduction to BFI NETWORK England Short Film Funding
This BSL Introduction is only a summary of information and does not supersede the main funding guidelines. If you want to apply for BFI NETWORK England Short Film Funding you must read the full guidelines.
Easy Read Introduction to BFI NETWORK England Short Film Funding
This Easy Read Introduction is only a summary of information and does not supersede the main funding guidelines. If you want to apply for BFI NETWORK England Short Film Funding you must read the full guidelines.
Access support for your application
We can provide assistance to applicants who have access requirements and need some support in order to make an application. See access support for BFI funding applicants.
Audio guidelines
You can listen to an audio version of the guidelines on Soundcloud.
Finding collaborators for your projects
Find information on talent development and networking opportunities in your area by connecting with your local BFI NETWORK team.
When you can apply
Applications are now closed.
You can still read the full funding guidelines for reference. For more information on funding and what support we provide, read our FAQs.
If you have any questions relating to this funding or your application, email bfinetwork@bfi.org.uk.
BFI NETWORK Funding Webinar
Watch our webinar from Tuesday 25 April 2023 which discusses the BFI NETWORK England Short Film Funding and UK-wide funding opportunities.
Since the very first National Lottery draw in 1994, public support – raised directly through National Lottery ticket sales – has funded more than 670,000 projects, raising more than £46 billion for good causes. As a recipient, it is important to publicly acknowledge the source of this funding throughout the lifespan of the project. Effectively communicating that it is supported by BFI National Lottery funding ensures those engaging with the work recognise the value and benefit of this unique Good Cause funding. Therefore, if your application is successful, you will be responsible for prominently crediting BFI National Lottery funding and thanking National Lottery players. As such, you are encouraged to ensure that elements of your project/s which have the potential to engage a broad public audience are capitalised on, in order to communicate this message. More details will be supplied once an award has been made.