Fiction
Organisations and companies useful to filmmakers creating Fiction films
BBC
The BBC is a public service broadcaster and is funded by the UK TV License fee. Their feature filmmaking arm is BBC Films. BBC Writersroom champions new writing in film, TV, radio and theatre; opportunities are posted on their site. The BBC also provides a platform for streaming short films through BBC Film Network (please note that the site mainly hosts work not created by the BBC).
British Film Institute
The BFI has been charged with distributing UK Lottery funds for film production by the Government. Details of how to access the funds and FAQs about the transfer of responsibilities from the UK Film Council to the BFI can be found on the BFI’s website. Please note that the new strategy for short film is being developed; further announcements should be made later in 2011.
Channel 4
Channel 4 Channel 4 is a publicly-owned, commercially-funded public service broadcaster and Film 4 Productions is its feature filmmaking arm. As well as supporting existing British talent the organisation offers many opportunities for emerging talent through short film production schemes and other initiatives including Coming Up, Cinema Extreme, 4Talent. Details of current initiatives are posted on their websites. Short films made through their schemes can be viewed through the Film4 section of their site.
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Established in 1947 EIFF is one of the world’s longest running film festivals. The festival showcases films from around the world and especially focuses on new works from emerging British filmmakers. The festival also runs a wide range of training workshops, labs, industry talks, conferences and networking events.
Encounters Bristol International Film Festival
Encounters is one of the longest running competitive short film festivals in the UK. It showcases over 280 international short films and offers various opportunities for emerging talent. Prizes include the Grand Prix, British Award, European New Talent in Short Film Award and many others.
Guiding Lights
Guiding Lights is a mentoring scheme which aims to support emerging British filmmakers by attaching them to experience filmmakers.
iFeatures
iFeatures is a low budget digital feature filmmaking initiative from South West Screen.
London Film Festival
The London Film Festival is one of two festivals run by the British Film Institute. The other is the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. LFF programmes new films from across the globe and has programmes for French, European and World cinemas. The festival has special programmes for short films, experimental films and old titles from the archives. The festival also runs an industry programme which includes conferences, the new talent lab “Think Shoot and Distribute”, talks and networking events.
Microwave
Microwave is a Film London’s training and funding initiative for low budget filmmaking. The Microwave website also provides useful guides on managing finance, marketing and legal matters.
Wellcome Trust
The Wellcome Trust is a charitable foundation whose aim is to improve the health of humans and animals. For many years the Trust has been encouraging the collaboration between scientists and artists to help generate understanding and debate around key issues affecting science and society. This is achieved through a variety of awards and initiatives open to all art forms.
