06/12/2011

Creative England, a British Film Institute (BFI) delegated body for the disbursement of film funds in the English regions, has announced two new funds worth a total of £400,000.

The Development Fund of £250,000 is available for the costs of developing a screenplay or screenplays that are ready to be presented to potential financiers, to help with budgeting, scheduling, casting, producing teaser trailers/pilots, and other expenses associated with raising finance and generating sales and distribution interest.

The Film Networks Fund of £150,000 is available for a range of eligible activity including provision of editorial and technical support for emerging talent looking to produce work, delivery of networking, screening and industry speaker events and master classes, and provision of peer-to-peer support, mentoring, training and advice.

Awards for both funds will range from £2,500 to £25,000 per project.

Creative England’s Head of Talent Development Chris Moll said, “We’re targeting our Development Funds at those unique regional voices with great new stories to tell, combined with the skill to drive their project forward both creatively and commercially. We plan to complement this with a new microbudget programme next year, and we are also continuing to work closely with the BFI to ensure the regions are central to future national talent development strategy.”

Eddie Berg, the BFI’s Director of Partnerships, said, “The launch of Creative England’s talent development funds will be welcomed by writers, directors and producers across England, and will complement well the talent development activities of the BFI’s Film Fund which benefits applicants throughout the UK.”