We award funding to distinctive fiction film projects from adventurous storytellers across a range of genres, approaches and perspectives, which reflect and represent a wide range of voices and backgrounds. We aim to help filmmakers and their producers develop their projects to a point where they are viable to seek production funding.
Who can apply
Producers can apply via their production company, which must be a limited company registered at Companies House.
Full eligibility criteria are contained within the funding guidelines.
When you can apply
Applications are open all year-round with the exception of an annual closure window from 1 April to 30 April.
Subsequent closures may be introduced during periods of high work intensity or holiday dates but these will be clearly signposted ahead of time.
How to apply
You can apply online once you’ve read the funding guidelines in full. There is an application link in the guidelines.
If you have any questions relating to this funding or your application, email developmentcoordinator@bfi.org.uk.
Get help with your application
We are committed to making our funding accessible to all. You can get help if you need support to apply for funding.
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.