BFI NETWORK funding finder

BFI NETWORK offer short film funding, and feature treatment funding for fiction live action, animation or immersive projects. Funding for short film fiction projects is available directly from BFI NETWORK for filmmaking teams where the director is based in one of the English regions.

For teams based in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales similar funding is available directly from our partner organisations working in these nations: Northern Ireland Screen, Short Circuit and Ffilm Cymru Wales.

BFI NETWORK funding for documentary is available to teams UK wide, through BFI Doc Society Fund.

If you’re unsure of your region, use the BFI Film Audience Network map.

BFI Film Audience Network mapPDF547 KB

Short film funding

BFI NETWORK England short film funding

For live action, animation and immersive/virtual reality.

Northern Ireland short film funding

Northern Ireland Screen runs a number of short film schemes throughout the year. These schemes are aimed at developing Northern Ireland resident creative talent.

Scotland short film funding

Short Circuit runs Sharp Shorts, an annual short film scheme for Scotland’s most exciting emerging creatives to shake up the form and distinctively stamp the nation on the filmmaking map.

Wales short film funding

Ffilm Cymru Wales runs Beacons short film funding, an annual short film scheme that provides funding as well as creative and practical support, training and mentoring opportunities to help filmmakers advance their careers.

Documentary short film funding (UK wide)

Doc Society runs Made of Truth, an annual short film scheme for passionate filmmakers to take on the challenge of documenting our tumultuous times on film.

More Films for Freedom (UK-wide)

A partnership between BFI NETWORK, British Council and BFI Flare; More Films for Freedom is a short film commissioning programme exploring LGBTQIA+ stories from the Middle East and Africa.

Read about More Films for Freedom funding

Early feature development funding

BFI NETWORK: Early Development Fund

The BFI NETWORK Early Development Fund supports the early stages of development for debut long-form projects – applications are closed.

Early development funding in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Screen supports the development of a diverse range of feature projects with fresh and innovative ideas that will connect with local and international audiences and attract critical acclaim.

Early development funding in Scotland

Short Circuit runs First Features, an early feature development scheme for Scotland-based filmmakers ready to take that career-defining step towards making their debut feature.

Early development funding in Wales

Ffilm Cymru Wales runs Horizons, an early feature development scheme that supports world-class live-action, documentary and animated feature films from emerging filmmakers.