Are you a strong communicator who loves solving problems? Can you spot a great story? You just might be a Producer.
In Development is a development programme to discover and support a new wave of producers in the North and Midlands. Film Hub North and Film Hub Midlands have supported early career producers via their programmes for the last 6 years and have seen alumni go on to produce features, work on major productions, and be funded by BFI, Film 4, the BBC, and business development schemes. In Development is our new in-person programme to meet like-minded producers and learn the fundamentals of developing story and managing short film productions.
Running over 2 days, this year’s Lab will take place in-person at Broadway Cinema in Nottingham, with 8 participants from the North and 8 from the Midlands. The residential will cover topics such as producing fundamentals, building a slate, budgeting and scheduling, pre-production, shooting, post-production, casting and distribution, all delivered by the Film Hubs and industry professionals.
The producers will reunite at Aesthetica Film Festival in November to connect with filmmakers from across the region to help build a pool of collaborators and slate. Participants will leave the programme with a foundation in all aspects of managing a production, an expanded network of peers, and the skills they need to make an impact in the industry.
Applications close Monday 4 August at 5pm. Read on for more information about the programme and how to apply.
Who's it for?
We're looking for anyone with an interest in film producing. The ideal candidate will have good communication skills, a commitment to storytelling, and the ability to work collaboratively. Applicants might have made self funded or crowdfunded shorts and want to start professionalising their approach, or be transitioning from working in the commercial or corporate sector. They may have relevant experience in another artform, or be working as a production coordinator or assistant in production. This isn't exhaustive, though - if you’re interested in producing, we’d welcome an application.
In Development is not a programme for people who are primarily interested in writing and/or directing. Although we’re open to people moving over from those roles, we’re looking for those who have a genuine desire to be a producer.
To be eligible for In Development you must:
- Have an interest in producing the work of others
- Be over 18 and not in full time education
- Have a passion for cinema and an idea about which stories you want to tell
- Be based in the North of England or the Midlands
- Be able to attend the in-person residential programme and Aesthetica Film Festival.
Draft Programme Timeline
Monday 23 June: Open for applications
Tuesday 8 July: ID:PL online info session
Monday 4 August, 17:00: Applications close
Wednesday 13 August: Applicants will be notified of decisions
Saturday & Sunday 20-21 September: In Development Residential, Nottingham
Thursday 6 November (TBC): Aesthetica Film Festival, York
Film Hub North and Film Hub Midlands will cover the cost of travel and accommodation for the September residential in Nottingham, plus travel, accommodation and a 2-day pass for the Aesthetica Film Festival in York. Please note, we cannot cover travel costs outside of the North of England or Midlands.
How to apply
To apply, simply complete the online application form linked below.
The form asks you to share some information about yourself, your creative background, why you want to be a Producer, and what kind of films you want to make. If you'd like to prepare offline before completing the online form, we've put together a downloadable list of the questions asked for reference. For some questions, there is the option to answer via a written response or an audio or video recording - if you’d prefer the latter, just upload the relevant file when prompted.
Applications close Monday 4 August at 5pm.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Lab or the application process, we’re hosting an Online Filmmaker Roundtable on Tuesday 8 July at 12:00.
For other queries, send an email with the subject line “In Development: Producer Lab Application” to our team at: bfinetwork@filmhubmidlands.org
In Development: Producer Lab is hosted by Film Hub North and Film Hub Midlands and was originally developed and set up with Diploid Productions and Redbag Pictures as Creative Producer Lab.
