It supports writers who do not yet have the first draft of a script (or equivalent format for immersive work), to produce an initial treatment – a piece of writing that outlines the story, characters, themes and structure of the project – and related materials like a mood board or other visual content. The Fund supports long-form live-action, immersive and animation fiction projects.

You can apply with or without a producer.

Projects that are supported at treatment stage and which are completed to schedule will then be able to apply for funding for a first draft of the full feature-length screenplay, or equivalent format for immersive work.

This fund supports projects with writers based in England who have not yet written a feature film or immersive work that has been produced and received a distribution deal in the UK.

When you can apply

Application are currently closed but due to open later this year.

What you can apply for

You can apply for funding of between £3,000 and £5,000 to support writing a treatment and creating related materials, and – if you’re working with a producer – their time spent on the project.

The funding guidelines include information on how successful applicants can seek further funding to take the project to first draft stage.

How to apply

Read the fund guidelines in full before applying. There is an application link in the guidelines.

Access support for your application

We can provide assistance to applicants who have access requirements and need some support in order to make an application. See access support for BFI funding applicants.