EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL INDUSTRY EVENT - MEET THE FUNDERS FRIDAY 20 JUNE 13:30-14:30 TRAVERSE THEATRE The BFI Film Fund is hosting an industry panel event focusing on funding opportunities, schemes and support for filmmakers with executives from Creative Scotland, Creative England, Ffilm Cymru Wales, Film London, Northern Ireland Screen, and the broadcaster film divisions, BBC Films and Film4. This is a great chance to put your questions to decision makers about what they look for in projects and their approaches to working with talent. Rebecca Mark- Lawson, Chair, Producer, Tyke Films Robbie Allen, Portfolio Manager, Film and Broadcasting Partnerships, Creative Scotland Lizzie Francke, Senior Development Executive, BFI Film Fund Suzanne Harrison, Senior Funding Executive, Northern Ireland Screen Tessa Inkelaar, Development Producer, Film London Sam Lavender, Commissioning Executive,Film4 Nichola Martin, Development Executive, BBC Films Chris Moll, Head of Film, Creative England Tracy Spottiswoode, Talent Net.Work Manager, Film Agency for Wales/Ffilm Cymru Wales BFI FILM FUND www.bfi.org.uk/supporting- uk- film/funding- filmmakers We welcome production applications from new and established filmmakers. Priority will be given to projects and filmmaking teams that demonstrate a bold vision and creative excellence, and that are unlikely to be fully financed by the marketplace. The largest public fund in the UK investing 26m of Lottery money in film development, production and distribution a year. The fund s budget will rise to 30m by 2017. Funds new and established filmmakers. Priority given to projects and filmmaking teams that demonstrate a bold vision and creative excellence, and that are unlikely to be fully financed by the marketplace. We cannot fully finance the production of a feature film, regardless of the budget Applications can be made at any time; initial response within six to eight weeks.
Selects features from first- time directors (budgeted under 2,000,000) quarterly. First features Supporting new filmmakers is a priority and we receive a high volume of applications, so we have found it beneficial to look at these applications at the same time. We believe that a more structured approach allows us to provide successful applicants with the right level of editorial collaboration and support in raising finance. Applications can be made at any time but will be assessed after the relevant deadlines for submissions. All applications must be made by the producer through a company registered in the UK or another state of the European Union or European Economic Area and registered as a branch in the UK. Your film must be feature length and intended for theatrical release. You will need to have a finance plan in place and if possible identify the financial partners who would be willing to invest in your feature, alongside the BFI. Applications are read and assessed by Film Fund executives. Shortlisted filmmakers are invited to to discuss their project further. Funding for low- budget films When reviewing applications for very low- budget films, we will take into account whether we think the budget you have submitted is reasonable and realistic, and we expect you to ensure that your film is produced in accordance with all applicable UK laws, including those relating to cast and crew payments. Also see ifeatures, under Creative England, our low- budget film partnership with Creative England, Creative Skillset and BBC Films and Film London for Microwave. Documentaries In recognition of the greater volume of applicants with theatrical documentary proposals, the current industry interest in the form, and the more specialised consideration that this genre requires, particularly for emerging talent, documentary projects are assessed through twice yearly- pitching sessions in London and Sheffield with a panel of Fund executives, industry experts and peers. In conjunction with the Sheffield Documentary Film Festival, shortlisted applicants are invited to present their projects to a panel which includes experts from the documentary funding world. Awards are made on a bi- annual basis. Pitching sessions are held in Sheffield (June) and London (December). Short films NET.WORK
We see short films as a vital part of the talent development process. Our UK- wide network for emerging talent aims to discover and develop new and emerging voices and prepare them for their first feature. The network connects the work of the BFI s funded partners, including Creative England, Creative Scotland, Film Agency for Wales, Northern Ireland Screen and Film London. CREATIVE SCOTLAND http://www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding- programmes The Creative Scotland Film and Television Funding Programme provides support to emerging and established film and television talent capable of creating distinctive and engaging work that promotes Scotland s creativity. There are four routes open to applications which are open year round for applications. Single Project Development Flexible Multi- Project Development Content Production and Exploitation Markets and Festivals Attendance The key criteria for projects seeking funding are that they: Provide significant opportunities for the creative and professional development of established and emerging writing, directing and producing talent based in Scotland Promote Scottish culture and creativity by reaching a national and international audience Leverage significant co- funding Provide opportunities for the professional development of technical and craft talent Demonstrate the ability to be creatively and commercially successful Creative Scotland also invests significantly in organisations, artists, practitioners and projects with Gaelic content or which celebrate Gaelic culture. Single Project Development Funding for the development of a single feature film, feature documentary, animation, or television drama series. Projects should have an experienced creative producer attached and/or be co- developed by a recognised industry partner (such as BBC, Film 4, Channel 4, BFI). Funding awards are likely to be in the range of: 5,000-50,000. Minimum co- funding required: 25%. Funding will be recouped from the production budget of any film or series made, based on a project developed with funding from Creative Scotland. Applicants should either have a limited company with a substantive base in Scotland involved, or their project must involve Scottish based writing, directing or producing talent as well as meeting key criteria for the fund. Flexible Multi- Project Development
Provides funding for the development of a number of film and television projects from a company or a consortium. Projects will have to be identified at the point of application. Applicants to this route should be market- proven producers, able to provide evidence of the successful international distribution of at least one feature film or network commissioned television drama series within the past five years or have a creative executive producer attached to the project who can fulfil this criterion. In addition, applicants should be able to provide written evidence of market interest in the projects through Letters of Interest, and must provide 10% match funding across the slate of projects. The deadline for this route is 5pm on Monday 14 July 2014. Funding awards are likely to be in the range of 50,000-100,000. Minimum co- funding required: 10% of total development budget. The development funding invested in a project will be recouped from that project s production budget when it is successfully financed/commissioned. Content Production and Exploitation This route will fund the production costs and exploitation of feature films, feature documentaries, animation, and television drama series that are at an advanced stage of readiness and have a significant level of co- funding already secured. Applicants to this route should be able to provide evidence of the successful international distribution of at least 1 feature film or television drama series within the past 5 years or have an experienced creative executive producer attached to the project that can fulfil this criterion. Applications will be accepted at any time, although decisions will be taken on a quarterly basis. Only those applications where we have received all necessary information and that have been fully assessed during the consideration period will be presented for approval at each quarterly decision meeting. Funding awards are likely to be in the range of: Feature Film/TV Drama Series/Animation up to 500,000 Feature Documentary - 50,000-90,000 Normally we will only fund up to a maximum of 25% of a project s total budget. Minimum secured co- funding of 30% is expected at the point of application, which should not include the UK or any other territory s tax credit or automatic incentive. Only in exceptional circumstances will we consider support for projects without the minimum level of secured co- funding in place. NORTHERN IRELAND SCREEN http://www.northernirelandscreen.co.uk/sections/19/production.aspx
Funding programmes are available for development and production; skills development is encouraged through both individual and company initiatives, while education and archive, film festivals and cultural cinema receive core funding. Northern Ireland Screen does not fund short film development. Development The maximum award for script development to an individual is 2,250. Script development awards to companies are available in stages up to a maximum of 40,000. Northern Ireland writers and writing teams, as well as Northern Ireland based companies. Project development Project development funding is available to companies for feature film, television (all genres and including pilots) and digital content. The fund specifically excludes development support for local television output. 90% of project budget for projects with a budget up to 10,000; 75% of project budget for projects with a budget of over 10,000 and less than 20,000; 50% of project budget for projects with a budget of over 20,000 up to a maximum of 200,000. Available to independent production companies based in Northern Ireland and European production companies which have an office and staff based in Northern Ireland. Slate development Available to companies for two or more projects, which can be feature film, television (all genres and including pilots) and digital content. The fund specifically excludes development support for local television output. Up to a maximum of 100,000 is available to independent production companies based in Northern Ireland and European production companies which have an office and staff based in Northern Ireland. Film, television and digital content production Northern Ireland Screen offers production funding in the form of a recoupable loan. The fund is intended to assist in completing budgets on productions which are almost fully financed. Northern Ireland Screen will not consider a production with less than 65% of its funding already in place. Productions should contribute to building a sustainable screen industry in Northern Ireland and which can show a direct economic benefit to the region. Northern Ireland is part of the UK and therefore the UK film and television tax breaks apply. Projects must be commercially viable and able to demonstrate clear possibilities for commercial exploitation. In the case of feature films, the attachment of an experienced sales agent will be an asset, as will domestic or USA distribution. For television, an expression of interest from a network broadcaster is preferable.
The Northern Ireland Screen Fund, for feature film, television and digital content production funding, can invest a maximum of 800,000, up to a ceiling of 25% of the overall project budget. However, very few projects are awarded the maximum amount. The fund is open to all legally incorporated companies who can fulfil the British Cultural Criteria and the Project Criteria. Incoming productions will be required to spend a proportion of the total production budget in Northern Ireland. As a guide, normally a 5:1 spend ratio. The first step is to contact Andrew Reid, Head of Production. FILM LONDON www.filmlondon.org.uk/funding Film London Microwave Microwave is Film London's ground- breaking feature filmmaking scheme. It has helped to produce Hong Khaou's critically- acclaimed Lilting, BAFTA- nominated Shifty and Plan B's directorial debut, ill Manors. This scheme also offers the next generation of filmmakers a proven programme of training- through- production, as well as distribution support. This year for the first time, Microwave offers development funding, plus distribution support to green- lit films. This is thanks to a new partnership with the BFI and returning partners BBC Films. A targeted outreach campaign of masterclasses and roadshows events is underway (see website for details) in the lead up to the deadline for applications. Two features from the first round will be commissioned and later green lit for production. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 30 July. Development support An extended development programme for up to 36 filmmaking teams will include mentoring from experienced industry directors, writers and producers. Microschool, the five day training 'bootcamp' offers an intensive programme of workshops, seminars, screenings and script surgeries covering all aspects of production, from development to sales and distribution. Shortlisted teams are then given a three- month funded development period, until the final projects are selected for production. Development funding Longlisted projects may receive up to 10,000 development funding per team. The 12 teams participating in Microschool get 1,000; six projects proceeding to the next stage receive a further
2,000; commissioned projects receive an additional 7,000 to support the team through the development process. Production funding Film London Microwave will be funding up to six features over three years with production budgets of 150,000. Successful teams receive 100,000 funding directly from Film London, who also supports the team in raising the additional finance, including cash and in- kind support. All completed projects have the opportunity to access up to 25,000 to support distribution. Representing London's diversity Microwave aims to support bold and surprising cinema that will contribute positively to an increasingly diverse landscape for British film and champion diverse and dynamic emerging filmmaking talent. With the aim that Microwave reflects the capital's population, there is an ambition to long list at least 50% filmmakers from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. Before applying, applicants are encouraged to attend one of the free roadshows or masterclasses (see website for details). Artists Moving Image/ FLAMIN Productions Part of Film London Artists' Moving Image Network (FLAMIN), FLAMIN Productions is the Network s flagship production fund for artist filmmakers with a track record. The only scheme of its kind in the UK, FLAMIN Productions commissions new, single screen works that are ambitious in premise and duration, from 20 minutes to feature length. FLAMIN Productions provides London s artist filmmakers with the development and production finance and support to produce ambitious and original moving image works. It offers professional development and bespoke mentoring opportunities, from development through to distribution and exhibition. Since the beginning of the commissioning scheme, 18 projects have been selected. Annually up to 4 films are selected which are invited to develop their ideas for resubmission as full production tenders. Projects are then reassessed for production funding of up to 40,000. Filmmakers can raise additional cash and/or in- kind support, advised and facilitated by FLAMIN. Preference is given to projects with the potential to reach a wide national and international audience through exhibition in galleries, screening spaces, cinemas, festivals, or other platforms. Short films London Calling / London Calling Plus London Calling and London Calling Plus target the capital s new and emerging talent, funding 24 new shorts from teams across London and providing the filmmakers with training and mentoring. The 24 teams producing films in 2013/14 were selected from over 600 applicants. The two schemes are part of the BFI.NETWORK, with funding from the BFI, Creative Skillset and run with support of the London
Boroughs of Haringey, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth, Redbridge, Southwark, Waltham Forest and Wandsworth. London Calling A continuation and expansion of the London Borough Film Fund Challenge, London Calling is open to all new and emerging filmmaking teams resident in the capital. Run across nine months. Key points: 18 short films are awarded a maximum of 4,000 Training and mentoring is provided to all film- making teams Match funding can be sought for any film being produced through London Calling The next call for submissions will be autumn 2014. London Calling Plus London Calling Plus is specifically for emerging Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic talent with a track record across film, television or theatre. The scheme aims to champion under- represented voices in the capital. Run across nine months the key points are: Five short films are awarded a maximum of 15,000 Training and mentoring provided to all filmmaking teams Match funding can be sought for any film being produced through London Calling Plus CREATIVE ENGLAND www.creativeengland.co.uk/film Creative England invests in and supports creative ideas, talent and businesses in film, TV, games and digital media. It distributes National Lottery funding, delegated from the British Film Institute (BFI), as well as Regional Growth and European Regional Development Funding. Creative England also offers expert advice, contacts and advocacy to all the individuals and businesses in which it invests. Support is available for filmmakers from across England whether you are a writer, director or producer looking to progress to first feature, an established producer looking for production finance or an ambitious film business looking to grow and innovate. Talent Centres Creative England has partnered with the BFI to establish two Talent Centres in Brighton and Sheffield to discover, support and progress new and emerging writers, directors and producers. The Talent Centres focus on 3 main areas of support: 1. A new pilot training programme to equip new and emerging filmmakers make their first feature film. It runs for 6 months and covers the feature filmmaking process from development through to distribution. 2. ishorts, an entry level shorts initiative, for new filmmakers outside of London who have some experience in self- funded short films or student films, written an unproduced screenplay, or have produced work that has not yet attracted financial support from within
the industry. Each team receives a 5,000-10,000 award, plus editorial support, industry mentoring, professional development workshops, online training support, networking opportunities and showcasing of the final films 3. Short Film Production & Feature Film Development Funding for emerging talent. Funding includes the development of live action, fictional feature film projects of all genres. The development funding will support the writing process and contributions towards skills option costs, research, script editing, producer s fees/overhead, director s services, legal, budget/schedule, casting, recce, pilot, and other costs as may be agreed. Production Funds Creative England offers two strands of production funding. The Creative England Production Fund supports up- coming talent or established directors with feature films budgeted under 2 million. It is particularly focused on projects from regionally- based filmmakers or those which have a strong regional voice. Looking to support around 6-8 features - all genres (including documentaries) - a year over the next three years, with production awards of up to 200,000 per project. 1. The West Midlands Production Fund (WMPF) invests in feature films and high- end TV drama from companies based in the West Midlands as well as from producers looking to establish a base and film in the region. Looking to support between 4-5 productions over the next year, the WMPF can invest between 100,000 and 500,000 in qualifying productions on a matched basis with private equity. Projects previously supported include Spooks The Greater Good, Nativity, Hustle, Dancing On The Edge and Line Of Duty. ifeatures ifeatures is Creative England s feature film development and production initiative supported by the BBC, the BFI and Creative Skillset. Now in its third iteration, ifeatures will develop a new slate of 18 projects from the UK s most promising filmmaking teams. Three films will be made on budgets of 350,000 each at the end of a year- long development process. Film Enterprise Fund Creative England s Film Enterprise fund will invest 2million over four years to improve the growth and sustainability of film- related businesses in England outside of Greater London. Flexible support is available through two strands. 1. Strand A: Business Planning will provide financial support of up to 5000 to successful applicants to help them with their business planning and strategy. This may include acquiring specialist expertise, knowledge and contacts that will help 'get under the bonnet' of your company and refine your business proposition. 2. Strand B: Business Funding is for companies who have done significant work on their business plans and who are in a position to apply for funding without any further business planning support or have successfully gone through the business planning phase under Strand A above. Strategic Partnership Fund
Funding for original projects related to the film industry which could support a wide range of areas from development, production and distribution to business growth, innovation, and inward investment. Creative England is looking for companies who have new and innovative ideas for ways to help the film sector to grow and develop outside London. Funding is available of between 10,000 and 50,000 per project. With the increasing crossover between disciplines, the fund is also looking for projects that demonstrate a commitment to cross- sector collaboration and to the use of new technologies and platforms. FFILM CYMRU WALES (Formerly Film Agency for Wales) www.ffilmcymruwales.com/index.php/en/film- makers Ffilm Cymru Wales (FfCW) offers a range of funding opportunities to from company awards to development and production awards. FfCW is looking to work with filmmakers who can demonstrate, where appropriate, that they are considering the wider intellectual property of their film proposals and that have a cross- sector, collaborative approach to their films be it with the music industry, publishing, theatre, games, advertising. It has an emphasis on supporting Welsh producers, writers, writer- directors and directors. Where Welsh talent is not leading the project, additional benefit might be provided through co- production or from mentoring opportunities offered to aspiring writers, directors, producers and heads of departments. FfCW is also keen to encourage films that reflect Wales and Welsh life, across a number its portfolio - single application do not have to address all of these aims and objectives. FfCW offers: support in identifying, preparing for, approaching and dealing with targeted potential third party financiers, co- producers, distributors and/or sales agents and industry markets; assistance in profiling talent with third party financiers, co- producers, distributors, commissioners and at market events; co- financing for a minimum of 3 theatrical feature films a year; which could be feature length drama, documentaries or experimental films intended for theatrical release; support for new talent with experienced production personnel and mentors where appropriate, and hands- on opportunities where possible; Advice and information regarding industry opportunities, working with training organisations to facilitate access wherever possible.
FfCW can also consider, budgetary constraints permitting; co- financing for film schemes in partnership with a range of targeted and appropriate co- financiers and partners will be provided. Enabling an additional 3 theatrically intended features to be produced at budgets of circa 300k each (Cinematic); company support; funding for companies wishing to extend their film Intellectual Property potential through cross- media/cross- arts or in working with different sectors of the creative industries. Applications are accepted at any time and at any stage of packaging the production, provided they are made by a production company, not an individual. FAW invites applicants to contact them before submitting a formal application Production Funding and Completion Funding FfCW is unlikely to commit funds to projects until some partnership funding is in place. However, if the project is of interest in principle we will work collaboratively with the producer in order to facilitate the potential raising of partnership funding. FfCW may fund up to 50% of production costs, capped at 200,000 per project. Completion funding is capped at 50% of the budget for the balance of work that remains to be completed applies, however the agency would not ordinarily consider offering funding in excess of 50,000 for completion. In all cases, FfCW looks for demonstrable market appeal as a theatrical feature project. Funding may be combined with other Lottery sources, provided that the total Lottery contribution does not exceed 50% of the budget. Criteria Quality, potential and originality of the work; Benefit to Welsh filmmakers and level of participation of key Welsh talent; Depiction of Welsh cultural content Wales and Welsh life; Viability in terms of budget and partnership funding and the capability of the key creative personnel; Ability to qualify as a British film; and Market appeal.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; requests for funding in excess of 50,000 are subject to Board approval. The Board ordinarily meets quarterly, though extraordinary meetings may be called where appropriate. Funding decisions for up to 25,000 are made by three members of the FfCW team. Decisions on funding applications above 25,000 and less than 50,000 will be made by three members of the Production and Development team. Company Support For innovative and promising Wales- based production and/or distribution companies to facilitate their further innovation, improve audience reach and grow company capacity. FfCW will make up to a total of 275,000 of Lottery funding available, (awarded on a de minimis basis), anticipated between 35,000 and 100,000 per selected company. Applicants must be ordinarily based in Wales (satellite addresses of companies based outside of Wales will not qualify). Film (production and/or distribution) has to be a key component of the business, but not the exclusive or main business - eg, a television or games company committed to film would eligible. Awards are open to companies producing material in any language appropriate to their business. The company should be financially viable ready to increase capacity and with a clear strategy of how to achieve that. Funding applied for should not be substitutional, ie essential to demonstrate where the funding would add value. The awards do not to support capital expenditure. The Horizons Fund Ffilm Cymru Wales is part of the UK- wide BFI Talent NET.WORK which is committed to discovering and supporting the next generation of British filmmaking talent. It is also has The Horizons Fund, a talent development programme for emerging filmmakers, rather than a training scheme. It is not open to entry- level participants. Offers support to outstanding Welsh film makers - writers, directors, producers - to nurture feature projects and/or professional career development. Funding is tailored to support to around 20-25 individuals and feature film projects of up to 3,000 per award to cover, for example, screenwriting, script editing, sales strategies, casting, market attendance or transmedia management. Emerging filmmaker applicants criteria: may have some experience but not yet had a feature film produced; a feature film produced but at a low budget level or which was self or privately funded at a budget of under 2m; a feature film credit but in a different role or as co- writer, co- director or co- producer and have yet to lead on a project; maybe effectively
re- launching themselves in the industry post a career break; some track record in other screen- based or related media (eg theatre, TV, radio, music, visual arts) but have yet to attract support or attention from within the film industry. BBC FILMS BBC Films is the feature film- making arm of the BBC. It is firmly established at the forefront of British independent film- making and co- produces approximately eight films a year. Working in partnership with major international and UK distributors, BBC Films aims to make strong British films with range and ambition. We are committed to finding and developing new talent, as well as collaborating with some of the foremost writers and directors in the industry. BBC Films does not accept unsolicited scripts. In the first instance, please contact the BBC Writersroom. FILM4 Film4 is Channel 4 Television s feature film division. It develops and co- finances films with an annual budget of 15 million and is known for working with the most innovative talent in the UK. Develops and co- finances feature length films for cinema release. Ultimately looking for films that will eventually play on both Channel 4 and Film4, (the digital channel), however, Film4 does not develop films specifically for televised broadcast. Looks for range across our subject matter and budgets, though these will tend to be contemporary stories, rather than period pieces and will usually be made with British led talent or with British content. Material with a distinctive voice that aims to push the boundaries within a given film genre. Aims to fund 10-12 feature films a year with a mix of licence fee and equity and all our films are co- financed with other financing partners. Our films will tend to receive their premieres on C4 or Film4 approximately 2 years after theatrical release. Due to the sheer volume of material Film4 receives, we cannot, unfortunately, consider unsolicited material (i.e material that has not been submitted via a producer or agent). Instead we find and encourage new filmmaking talent through our proactive development process and our traditionally strong links with independent producers and literary agents. If you are a writer and/or director, you will need to find a recognised agent to submit your script on your behalf. As a first- time filmmaker, we understand that finding representation can be difficult so we do advise that before you approach an agent, it is best to create a selection of work that you can present them with. Even if they respond to a single piece of work that is sent to them, if they wish to arrange a meeting with you, they will ask for a further portfolio that they can look at before they invest in a relationship with someone. Obviously if you are first starting out it is best to approach junior agents rather than senior
agents at companies. Junior agents are looking to expand their portfolios and therefore are more likely to pick up new talent. Agents, similarly to production companies, will be looking for a new and distinctive voice to come through in someone's writing and the more material that you can support them with the more interest you will be able to generate. While we cannot recommend a particular production company or agent or have a list to share, we can suggest checking out the Producers Alliance of Film and Television (PACT) for a directory of independent production companies or suggest picking up the Writers and Artists Yearbook, available at Amazon for the agents contacts. It's also worth keeping an eye on Channel 4's 4Talent scheme for opportunities for new writers, for which you don't need representation or a track record. For information on submitting to Film4, please email bcoren@channel4.co.uk. Please do not send full scripts in the first instance. Please note that you will need to submit a proposal through either a registered production company (i.e. companies with a history of films that have been produced and officially distributed either theatrically or at a festival) or an agent.