Broader Screen Content Resources

This is a BFI FAN resource, created to support the exhibition of ‘Broader Screen’ content. Bringing together a selection of best practice resources, materials, and up-to-date contacts for BFI Film Audience Network members.

Film Hub Midlands are supporting the exhibition of ‘Broader Screen’ content through this collection of the latest guidance, insights, toolkits, materials, and key contacts for FAN members.

BFI want to "encourage audiences to experience a thrilling sense of discovery of new and historic voices, technological advancements and different forms of screen storytelling" (BFI, Ten-Year Strategy). As FAN Champions for Broader Screen, Film Hub Midlands are building up and sharing our knowledge of this rapidly changing area.

We'll be consistently updating this page with new resources. Keep checking back if you're interested in sharing the full breadth of visual, screen-based storytelling outside of film and television with your audiences.

Resources, guides and toolkits

An introduction to Broader Screen Content

Defining Broader Screen content in the context of the BFI's aim to embrace wider screen culture.

A group of three people of various ages wearing virtual reality headsets

Broader Screen Content: Glossary

A collection of terms and descriptions explaining ways that audiences can experience Broader Screen content.

Image: EchoVision by Jiabao Li, Botao Amber Hu and Matt McCorkle

Field Notes: SXSW 2025 by Verity McIntosh

An overview of immersive experiences that push the boundaries of storytelling and audience engagement, showcased at this year's South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas.

StoryFutures report on VR Cinema Experiences

A new research report by StoryFutures offers vital insights for curators and programmers exploring immersive storytelling in cinema and arts venues.

Broader Screen Content at Venice Biennale (2025)

Venice Immersive is entirely dedicated to the immersive arts and media and includes all forms of creative XR expression: immersive videos, virtual and mixed reality, virtual worlds and immersive installations.

Child of Empire Case Study

This case study is perfect for venues looking to expand their programming with meaningful, experiential content or wondering what is involved in hosting a VR experience.

StoryFutures-Xperience-VR-national-showcasing-programme-1536x1152

Onboarding and offboarding audiences in virtual reality

Taking a look at the five point system for publicly staging VR experiences drawn from the 2023 research paper by Laryssa Whittaker.

Touring Interactive Film in Public Spaces

This article looks at the recently released exhibitor toolkit written by Dr Rob Eagle, for Consensus Gentium, an interactive film by artist Karen Palmer, which toured to 11 shopping centres across England in 2024.

Reflections on a visit to StoryFutures Xperience

StoryFutures Xperience was a national showcasing programme of virtual reality experiences run by StoryFutures, the UK’s National Centre for Immersive Storytelling.

StoryFutures report on VR Cinema Experiences

7th July 2025

Broader Screen Content News

A new research report by StoryFutures offers vital insights for curators and programmers exploring immersive storytelling in cinema and arts venues.

Take a look

Field Notes: SXSW 2025 by Verity McIntosh

15th May 2025

Broader Screen Content News

An overview of immersive experiences that push the boundaries of storytelling and audience engagement, showcased at this year's South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin,…

Take a look