Through the BFI Film Fund (awarding funds from the National Lottery), it aims to address the lack of diversity in crew by recognising and engaging with the wealth of talent across all creative industries. By matching this talent with BFI productions, Step Up provides a unique opportunity for crew from underrepresented groups to embrace new challenges and enhance their skills. This also provides the wider industry with the chance to engage in meaningful change.
BFI Film Fund welcomes applications from those who are ready to either step up in their department or step across from other creative industries (such as television, documentary and short form content).
How it works
- This is not an entry level or trainee programme
- Applicants must apply to Step Up via the link below
- If an applicant meets the criteria they will be invited to discuss their objectives and current experience with a member of the BFI Film Fund team
- The scheme skill-matches the applicant with a Film Fund production. They will then meet producers and relevant heads of departments
- All Step Up crew will be hired directly by the production with additional financial support from BFI Film Fund for training, salaries and access requirements
Eligibility
Applicants should be from one of the following underrepresented groups:
- Black, MENA (Middle East and North African), South Asian, South East Asian or East Asian background, including mixed ethnicity, working in any department
- D/deaf and disabled people, including those who are neurodivergent, working in any department
- women working in technical roles (for example: camera, sound, electrical, construction, stunts, props, SFX and VFX)
The BFI welcomes intersectionality across a number of areas. These include ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, disability, religion, geographical location (nations and regions) and socioeconomic circumstances across all departments.
The individual must have proven experience in their chosen department. Also they must provide references from either a producer, head of department or equivalent.
The scheme supports candidates from trainee programmes who are ready to take the next step. However, this is not an entry level/trainee programme.
How to apply
Would like to be considered for Step Up and be part of a production supported by the BFI Film Fund? Find the link to apply here.
There is no deadline, and the team reviews applications monthly.
If you have any questions regarding the programme, please email productioncoordinator@bfi.org.uk.
Source: www.bfi.org.uk
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