Have an idea for a short film and want to develop it into a script? Keep reading.

Applications for 2026 are now open! 

The aim of the BFI NETWORK Midlands Script Lab is to help writers and writer/directors develop an early-stage idea for a short film into a script over the course of three months.

Over 9 weeks, selected writers will receive training sessions, take part in peer sharing sessions led by BFI NETWORK Talent Executives and receive 1 to 1 sessions with an assigned script editor to develop their short film script drafts.

You will need to be able to give 1.5 hours a week over 9 weeks to the programme and additional writing time.

The deadline to apply to the programme is Sunday 20th September 23:59

 

Who can apply?

Participation in the BFI NETWORK x Film Hub Midlands Short Film Development Programme is free and open to writers working in any creative discipline who have an idea for a short film up to fifteen minutes in length.

Your idea needs to:
  • Be able to be told in 15-minutes of screen time
  • Have limited characters and locations to increase production viability
  • Tell a story with a beginning, middle and end.

We will select up to five writers based in the Midlands from submitted applications.

Before you apply please note:

  • We welcome applications from individuals as well as co-writing teams. You do not need to be working with a producer or director in order to apply.
  • You must be based in the Midlands region (as defined by the BFI) and able to commit to attending a range of online writing and development sessions, as well as completing assigned writing work between meetings.
  • Your script ideas must be original e.g. not based on existing novels, short stories or other literary works.
  • This programme is for early short film script ideas, not ideas that are already in script form.
  • Acceptance to this programme does not guarantee success in receiving BFI NETWORK Short Film Funding
  • The programme is free and training sessions will be online, however we will be hoping to get the cohort together at some point in person.
  • The full programme schedule is to be confirmed.

Timeline:
Application Deadline: Sunday 20th September 23:59

Participants informed of place: Wednesday 30th September
Programme start date: TBC - programme will run October to January 2027

Apply Here

Still looking for more information?

Join us for an online information session on Tuesday 8th September at 6pm, where we will be answering any opportunities and giving you the opportunity to meet other writers in the region.

Book Here

 

If you have any additional questions about this opportunity, please contact us at bfinetwork@filmhubmidlands.org