BFI NETWORK Early Development Fund is open

BFI NETWORK Early Development Fund is now open for applications, closing on Tuesday 19 November 2024 at 11am

This annual fund supports writers at the very beginning of their development process for their debut feature. Awards of between £3000-£5000 will support writers in the Midlands in producing an initial treatment (a piece of writing that outlines themes and structure of a film) and related materials (for example, a mood board), while also providing creative support throughout.

The funding opportunity is open to writers with a strong creative track record, who have not yet received a commercial distribution deal for a feature. While you can apply with a producer, they are not required for your application.

The deadline for applications is 11am on Tuesday 19 November 2024

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Application Support

To help support you with completing your applications in the Midlands, we will be running events and information sessions right up until the deadline. We will be adding more over the next few weeks and so make sure you are following us on Instagram, X/Twitter, or signed up for our newsletter for the latest.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've gathered our frequently asked questions and answers, so this is a great first stop for your if you want more information.

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Filmmaker Roundtables

BFI NETWORK Talent Executives in the Midlands will be answering questions about the fund and talking about wider filmmaking opportunities in the Midlands

In Conversation: Producing Genre with Oliver Kassman

1 November

We will look at the development of genre projects and how they can stand out. Also address some of the common traits with genre projects and how feasible it is to raise finance to make them

Early Development Fund: How to Tell Your Story Concisely

6 November

We'll be looking at what to put in a logline, how to write a compelling synopsis, and how to express your narrative and themes when you have a limited word count. With BAFTA nominated screenwriter Laura Jayne Tunbridge

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Talent Executive 121s

Our 1-2-1 meeting calendar remains open throughout the application period, if you find you have a question not answered elsewhere, book in for a 30 minute Zoom call