Contents
- About access support
- About our funding
- About the projects we fund
- Eligibility
- Preparing your application
- Submitting your application
- About the assessment process
1. About access support
We’re committed to making our funding as inclusive and accessible as possible. You can get help if you need support to apply for funding. You might need support because you are disabled, neurodivergent or another reason. We work with TAPE Community Film and Music to provide access support. TAPE is an award-winning, community arts charity based in North Wales. See access support for BFI funding applicants.
We have also created:
- British Sign Language (BSL) introduction video
- Easy Read introduction document
- Audio versions of our full funding guidelines
Asking for support or sharing information about yourself will not negatively affect your application.
2. About our funding
What funding is available?
You can learn more about BFI NETWORK funding, including opportunities with our partners across the UK (in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales), by visiting our BFI NETWORK funding finder page.
In England, BFI NETWORK supports early career writers, directors, and producers through two open funding streams:
Supporting the production of shortform live action, animation and immersive/XR projects. Open in Spring for applications from UK filmmaking teams with directors based in England.
Supporting the early stages of development for debut long-form projects. Open in autumn to early career creatives based in England that have written at least one produced work in television, documentary, theatre, immersive, or short film work that has gained industry recognition evidenced by any of the following: award wins or nominations, festival selections, screenings, broadcasts, written articles or reviews.
How much can I apply for?
The total amount and any restrictions on what you can apply for from each fund is included within the “How much you can apply for” section of the guidelines.
3. About the projects we fund
What kind of projects do you fund?
We fund a broad range of genres and styles, and welcome new perspectives. We focus on narrative, fiction storytelling in live action, animation or immersive/XR formats, as opposed to experimental non-narrative moving image or films focused on other arts such as dance or poetry.
If you are making, or aspiring to make, documentaries our partners Doc Society run the Made of Truth: BFI Doc Society Fund, providing funding for documentary filmmakers in partnership with BFI NETWORK.
Where can I see what you have previously funded?
You can see the projects that have recently been formally approved for funding by the BFI Grant & Lottery Finance Committee on our website as well as how we are doing against our inclusion targets using self-identified diversity data for our funds.
What is an immersive/XR project?
An Immersive or Extended Reality (XR) project goes beyond traditional film production by incorporating technologies to craft an interactive experience for the audience. This might include the use of technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) to create a digital environment designed to replace the user’s physical surroundings. As we are seeking applications for narrative Immersive/XR projects, all applications must have a story at their heart.
Can you fund episodic projects like a TV series or microdrama for online release?
Our funds can only support standalone fiction projects, and cannot fund episodic content or projects that form part of a larger narrative arc like a pilot for a TV or web series.
Why don’t you fund biopics or projects with characters based on real people?
We do not have the structure to support, oversee or check applicable rights clearances or legal costs that can be required when developing projects based on real people. Ideas can be inspired by real events, but all characters must be entirely fictional.
If your project is a biopic or includes real people you could consider BFI Development Funding which does not have the same restriction around the development of story ideas around real people.
4. Eligibility
How much experience do I need?
You must read the fund guidelines in full to decide if our funds are the right fit for your experience level and project. We expect applicants to our funds to have already completed some creative work in film, television, documentary, theatre, or other art forms.
Short Film Fund
Applicants should carefully consider both their level of experience and the scope of their project when deciding how much funding to request. We encourage applications with smaller budgets, particularly from newer filmmakers who want to take creative risks and explore something new in a short, focused format.
For more experienced filmmakers we expect to see projects that show increased ambition in relation to previous work. We can consider funding requests at the top end of the available BFI NETWORK funding where the script and production proposal clearly justify a higher budget.
Early Development Fund
It can be challenging to gain momentum for a feature‑length project if you are not yet able to demonstrate that your writing works effectively on screen and can connect with an audience. Before applying, consider whether you have enough produced work to show potential funders and collaborators that you are ready to move into feature filmmaking.
Please note that if an application is declined, it usually cannot be resubmitted in future rounds of the fund.
Can I apply without a producer?
Short Film Fund
All teams applying need a producer. The producer does not need to be based in the same region as the director, they can be located anywhere in the UK.
Our short film funding is designed to support emerging UK writers, directors, and producers in taking a clear next step in their careers. We view the producer role as a vital part of the creative process. Having a dedicated producer allows both the director and producer to fully focus on their specific responsibilities, helping the project, and the team, reach full creative potential.
While the writer and producer can be the same person, director-producers are not eligible to apply. The director and producer both take on many different responsibilities during production and we want to ensure the people in these roles don’t have a split of focus which could lead to a detrimental experience for them, their cast, crew or impact the quality of the final film.
Our funding aims to support filmmakers to move toward longer-form work and to take creative risks with form and content. We believe that collaboration is a key part of a filmmaker’s development journey. While BFI NETWORK Talent Executives provide creative oversight on funded projects, the producer is responsible for the overall delivery of the project. BFI NETWORK does not actively produce, or production manage funded films.
We are developing a micro short pilot—a new initiative designed to support newer talent who may not yet have had the opportunity to make a funded film. This pilot will offer a more structured support process without requiring a dedicated producer. We aim to launch this fund during the next BFI National Lottery Funding Plan period (2026–2029).
Early Development Fund
Applicants do not need a producer to apply but if they are working with a producer, they can also include a producer allowance in their budget.
How can I find a producer for my short film project?
We are unable to offer bespoke matchmaking between filmmakers and producers due to the volume of requests we receive and the very specific nature of this relationship. Our delivery partners have put together some useful resources to help with finding collaborators:
- Finding collaborators — Film Hub Midlands
- Where do I find a producer? — Film Hub North
- Finding and working with a producer — Film Hub South East
You can also connect with your local talent team who may organise regional networking events and producer labs which can highlight exciting new producers coming through in your local area.
Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on social media for updates from our delivery partners and the wider UK film industry including BBC Film, Film4, British Council and BAFTA. Our regional hubs also have their own newsletters with more localised events and opportunities.
How many times can I apply?
The application limits per funding round are included in the “Check if you’re eligible” section of the guidelines.
My project is based outside of the UK. Can I still apply?
Basing your project outside of the UK would not make you ineligible but all projects must be capable of qualifying for certification as a British film, either through the applicable cultural test, or as an official co-production. You can use the summary of points to help you understand the areas assessed within the cultural test.
5. Preparing your application
What supporting materials do I need to include in my application?
The supporting materials that should be included in an application for each fund are included within the “How to apply” section of the guidelines.
What are the Diversity Standards, and how should I engage with them in my application?
The BFI Diversity Standards for Film aim to address underrepresentation in the screen industries. Projects should aim to meaningfully tackle underrepresentation relating to disability, gender, race, age, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
Details and examples of how you can engage with the BFI Diversity Standards when applying are available on the BFI website.
Where can I find resources for short film productions?
We have some comprehensive filmmaking toolkits and resources on our website which include filmed conversations featuring filmmakers, funders, festival programmers and distribution experts exploring short filmmaking in the round.
What else should I consider before applying?
Anyone considering applying must thoroughly read or listen to the fund guidelines for the type of funding they are interested in.
Our regional BFI NETWORK Talent Executives run activity in support of our funds too. In previous years this has included roundtables, 1:1s, online workshops, and webinars. You should connect with your local talent team to find out more about the funds and opportunities in your region.
6. Submitting your application
Who submits the application form?
We strongly encourage everyone use the PDF preview of the form included in each of the fund guidelines to work on their application in advance. If possible, try and work on the application earlier in the application window. This will give enough you enough time to ask any questions about the application process.
All applications must be received before the deadline.
Short Film Fund
The lead producer completes and submits the application and is listed as the lead applicant throughout the assessment process.
Teams should take time to discuss the amount of funding they are requesting and their responses to the form questions.
Early Development Fund
The lead writer completes and submits the application and is listed as the lead applicant and recipient of the award.
Where is the link to start my application?
Guidance on using the Applicant Portal, including the link you need to start your application is provided in the “How to Apply” section of the relevant fund guidelines.
We strongly encourage everyone use the PDF preview of the form included in each of the fund guidelines to work on their application in advance. If possible, try and work on the application earlier in the application window. This will give enough you enough time to ask any questions about the application process.
All applications must be received before the deadline.
Can I update my application after it has been submitted?
If you have updates to the project or information after submitting your application, we may be able to include these on your application if you email bfinetworkfunding@bfi.org.uk. However, we cannot guarantee the application will not have been assessed when you get in touch, and we won’t have the capacity to reread an application.
We’re not able to accept any changes to key creative roles (writer, director or producer) at any stage following the submission of an application.
7. About the assessment process
How are applications assessed?
The assessment criteria and process for each fund is included in the “What happens after you apply” section of the guidelines.
How long does the assessment process take?
We will start getting back to teams around 12-14 weeks from applications closing. The latest date we are due to get back to applicants is included in the email we send confirming your application has been received.
If the assessment of your application is delayed, we’ll be in touch to let you know the updated assessment timeline.
Who are the BFI NETWORK External Readers?
BFI NETWORK employs External Readers who review applications across BFI NETWORK funds, as part of the assessment process.
External Readers are recruited via an open call application process. They are from a wide range of backgrounds, and collectively bring a wealth of industry experience to the role. Our current pool of readers has experience spanning script development and consultancy, talent development, production, and writing. We also have readers with a specific interest and expertise across animation and VR / XR. You can also see how we are doing against our inclusion targets using self-identified diversity data from our employees and those receiving National Lottery funding from the BFI.
Why would an application be ineligible?
Eligibility criteria for each fund is included within the “Check if you’re eligible” section of the guidelines.
Checks take place throughout the assessment process. If an application is found ineligible, we will let you know why we are unable to progress with the assessment.