BFI NETWORK Early Development funding supports the early stages of development for debut long-form projects. It directly supports writers who do not yet have the first draft of a script, or equivalent format for immersive work, to produce an initial treatment outlining the story, characters, themes and structure of their project along with related materials such as a mood board or other visual content.
The first stage of the fund supports long-form live-action, immersive and animation fiction projects with awards of £3,000 to £5,000 to develop a treatment.
Projects that are supported at treatment stage and which are completed to schedule will then be able to apply for a second stage of funding to complete a first draft of the full feature-length screenplay, or equivalent format for immersive work.
Who can apply
Writers based in England who have not yet written a feature film or immersive work that has been produced and received a distribution deal in the UK.
You can apply with or without a producer.
When you can apply
The Early Development Fund opens on 7 October 2025 and closes at 11am on 18 November 2025.
If you have any questions relating to this funding or your application, email: bfinetworkfunding@bfi.org.uk.
How to apply
You can apply online once you’ve read the funding guidelines in full. There is an application link in the guidelines.
British Sign Language (BSL) introduction
This BSL introduction video is only a summary of information and does not supersede the main funding guidelines. If you require access support to apply there is help available to make an application.
Easy read introduction
This easy read introduction is only a summary of information and does not supersede the main funding guidelines. If you require access support to apply there is help available to to make an application.
Get help with your application
We are committed to making our funding accessible to all. If you have access requirements and need some support applying for funding, see access support for BFI funding applicants.
Demand for BFI NETWORK funding
Based on previous rounds, we expect to receive up to 1000 applications and will only be able fund around 20 of these. You can see what we’ve funded in the past.
If you have any questions about this funding or your application, email bfinetworkfunding@bfi.org.uk.
Since the very first National Lottery draw in 1994, more than £50 billion for good causes has been raised directly through National Lottery ticket sales, funding more than 700,000 projects. As a recipient of National Lottery funding, it is important to publicly acknowledge the source of this funding ensuring that those engaging with your work recognise the value and benefit of this unique Good Cause funding.
If your application is successful, you will be responsible for prominently crediting BFI National Lottery funding and thanking National Lottery players. To communicate this message, you should ensure that the elements of your project which have the potential to engage a broad public audience are capitalised on. More details will be supplied once an award has been made.