Support will be in the form of non-recoupable grants for projects that:
- have strong export potential and international audience reach
- are able to demonstrate the potential to generate revenues for the UK producer
- have at least 60% of the overall finance secured, or 80% in the case of Fast Track applications (not including the amount applied for and UK tax relief)
- have secured at least one other source of UK funding (not including the amount applied for and UK tax relief)
Eligible shooting dates
Applications are eligible for Fast Track if:
• Principal photography or animation is due to start between 20 November 2025 and 19 February 2026.
• Evidence of lead cast availability is provided.
• All additional eligibility criteria for Fast Track are met.
Eligible project dates for all other applications
For fiction films, animation films and TV animation projects
These projects must not have started principal photography or animation, or financially closed, before 19 February 2026.
Principal photography or animation must be set to start between 19 February and 20 July 2026.
For documentary (film or TV) projects
These projects must not have financially closed and must be completed before 20 May 2027.
Who can apply
Independent UK producers with demonstrable production experience can apply for grants of up to £300,000 towards:
- feature film international co-productions including animation and documentary, in any genre and in any language, where the UK producer is a “minority” co-producing partner (i.e. the contribution of at least one of the other co-producing partners is greater than the overall contribution of the UK producer)
- television international co-productions in animation or documentary only, in any language, where at least two (for “minority” UK co-productions) or three (for “majority” UK co-productions) broadcasters are contributing to the finance plan
When you can apply
Round Two opens at midday on 25 September 2025 and closes at midday on 20 November 2025.
The deadline for Fast Track applications is midday on 23 October 2025.
We’ll contact Fast Track applicants by 20 November 2025 and all other applicants by 19 February 2026 and let you know if we are progressing or declining your application. Please do not contact us before this date about the status of your application.
The next round is scheduled to open February 2026
How to apply
You can apply online once you’ve read the full guidelines. There is an application link in the guidelines.
If you have any questions relating to this funding or your application, email ukglobalscreenfund@bfi.org.uk.
Get support 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.
