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Film Pipeline: Short Script & Film Competition 2023

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Film Pipeline: Short Script & Film Competition 2023

About Film Pipeline

Launched in 2018, Film Pipeline searches for extraordinary directors, produced shorts, unproduced scripts, and other content from a growing field of talent worldwide. Filmmakers and writers discovered through Pipeline receive circulation assistance to agencies, managers, and executives on the lookout for the next wave of artists, with a sharp emphasis on diverse storytelling and stylistic originality. Unlike a traditional one-and-done festival, the company champions individual writers and directors, playing a central role in getting projects developed, produced, and promoted.

For 23 years, Script Pipeline has bridged the gap between up-and-coming writers and the industry through a unique, long-term, hands-on facilitation process. The result thus far has been $8 million in scripts sold to studios and networks since 1999, most recently the seven-figure sale of Script Pipeline finalist Bring Me Back to Legendary Entertainment. In total, across Film, Book, and Script Pipeline, approximately 25,000 pieces of creative material are reviewed annually, with ~2,000 entries submitted to Film Pipeline in 2021.

Short Script Competition

The 6th Annual Film Pipeline Short Script Competition provides an opportunity for writers to get their project financed and produced. Their executives collaborate with the finalists from development to production, supporting their efforts on both their selected script as well as future material. All genres accepted, and scripts may be intended as proof-of-concept or standalone shorts.

With over two decades of experience discovering new screenwriters, they’ve cultivated a dynamic, hands-on process of development and industry introductions for filmmakers. This allows both emerging and seasoned writers and directors to receive personalised assistance in all facets. And, most importantly, Pipeline spotlights and supports selected talent with the intent of fostering their careers long-term.

Winner and finalists awarded:

  • $5,000 to winner
  • Extensive development from Pipeline’s executive team, including feature script development (if applicable)
  • Industry circulation to specific management and producing partners
  • Additional long-term development of other film and TV scripts
  • Financing consideration for future short scripts

Deadlines:

  • Regular: September 1st, 2023 – $40
  • Late: September 15th, 2023 – $45
  • Submit here! You can upload your submission material through the link, or email it to entry@filmpipeline.com after you’ve completed your order.

Short Film Competition

The 6th Annual Film Pipeline Shorts Competition seeks remarkable directors and diverse, engaging content—the type of work defined by forward-thinking perspectives and unconventional yet universally appealing stories.

Film Pipeline has created a platform significantly different from a festival: selected entrants are given one-on-one collaboration with Pipeline execs to develop or produce additional scripts, consideration for industry circulation, and extended promotion of their film to their broader audience.

Winner and finalists awarded:

  • $5,000 to winner
  • Industry circulation consideration to select partners, including agents and managers
  • Promotion of the short and the filmmakers’ future work
  • Additional long-term development of other projects
  • Financing opportunities for additional shorts

Deadlines

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.

First Flights Short Film Fund – Kodak Film Edition

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First Flights Short Film Fund – Kodak Film Edition

The short film fund allows emerging talent from around the world to test their ideas before embarking on a feature film.

Grants of up to £7,000 / $10,000 are available towards the production costs of all scripted genres and documentary short film content.

Filmmakers can compete in a special category to shoot their film on genuine 16mm film stock. Winners of this category will receive 10 x 400ft rolls of KODAK 16mm film stock, along with processing costs.

Filmmakers will have full creative control of the project but will receive support in submitting the film to festivals and distribution opportunities with Network Ireland and Televison and ShortsTV.

Selection Process

All applications and scripts are reviewed and graded on a point-based system, across seven categories covering originality, creativity, plot, pacing & structure, characters, entertainment, and message effectiveness. The long list is created and reviewed by a team of independent judges from across the film industry, from which all candidates are interviewed. The ratings from independent judges and the interviews are then used to make the final selection.

Submission Dates

  • Early bird fees are £20 per project until August 31st
  • Regular fees are £30 until September 30th
  • Late fees are £40 until October 31st

Awards will be given to projects which intend to be in production no more than six months after the deadline closes. Awards provided are non-recoupable grants.

How to apply

Filmmakers log in to submit your project information HERE.

Project submissions will need to include:

  • Project details: title / genre / location / budget / funding amount sought / intended production date
  • A logline (up to 30 words)
  • A synopsis (250 words)
  • A directors vision – creative ideas and information on why the story is important and who it is for (250 words)
  • A completed script (no more than 30 pages)
  • A biography of the director. Links to the director/writer/producer IMDB pages if available
  • A budget (template provided)
  • Optional: look book and sizzle reel
For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.

Studio21 Drama Series Script Competition 2023

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The Studio21 2023 script competition opens for entries

The competition connects emerging writers with the global content business, offering the winner a £10,000 development option and unique opportunity to connect with the global drama business through C21Media’s Content London in December.

The winning project will be developed by Studio21, supported by an advisory board made up of the most creative showrunners and television executives in the business including Chris Albrecht, who built HBO with shows like Sex and the City and The Sopranos to Netflix’ former head of international programming and a raft of leading showrunners who have created and run series from Criminal Minds to Rome, Shameless, Spooks, This Life and many more. Studio21 will connect the project with the right coproducer, platform, channel or partner.

Previous winners now have their shows in development with leading producers, and the raft of new writers and projects taken under the Studio21 wing is commanding the attention of coproducers and commissioners worldwide.

From the pool of submissions, made between 15 June 2023 and 13 September 2023, a shortlist of 21 scripts will be selected and from these six finalists will be chosen to present their script to the global drama business at Content London 2023, or through the Content London digital initiative, whichever the world allows!

This audience includes key commissioners from digital platforms including Amazon, Netflix and Hulu, to broadcasters from ABC, BBC and C4 to YLE, and ZDF, attending Content London. Shortlisted entries will be announced on 6 October 2023 and the six finalists will be announced on 13 October 2023.

The winning writer will receive £10,000 from Studio21 to option the project and acquire the script. Studio21 will further develop the project in association with the writer to take out internationally.
The Studio21 Drama Series Script Competition is produced in association with C21Media, Content London and Script Angel.

Each finalist will also receive a free consultancy session from Script Angel. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your script in front of the world’s drama community! Studio21 are looking for original drama series with global appeal. Be part of the story.

Key Dates

  • The script competition is open for entries between 15 June 2023 and 13 September 2023, 23:59 GMT.
  • The 21 shortlisted projects will be notified on 6 October 2023.
  • The six finalists will be notified on 13 October 2023.
  • The script competition final will be held at Content London on 27 November 2023.

How to apply

Submissions must consist of a pilot script in the English language (“the Script”) and a 1-4 page series treatment (“the Treatment”) plus a Reference from an industry professional. You can read the guidelines for this here.

Submissions must be made through the online submissions form which can be found by clicking here. Any Submissions submitted by email or by any other method shall be not accepted or considered for the Competition.

The script, the treatment and the reference comprise “the Submission”. You may only enter one project per submission. An Entrant’s Submission must be typed in English.

There is an entry fee (“the Entry Fee”) of £40 (forty British pounds) per Submission to enter the Competition, to be paid online via credit/debit card. The Entry Fee covers the cost of paying for independent readers to evaluate the Submissions.

Entrants should include their full name, email address, country of residence and contact information with their submission. The Promoters are not able to return an Entrant’s Submission once delivered to the Promoters for consideration.

If you are experiencing any issues with your submissions please email info@studio21.com

The deadline to submit your application is 13 September 2023, 23:59 GMT.

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.

Mark’s Gift 2023

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Mark Milsome Foundation

The Mark Milsome Foundation is inspired by the achievements, character and unique nature of our respected friend and colleague, Mark Milsome, who was killed whilst filming a car stunt in Ghana 18th November 2017.

As a charitable organisation, they encourage and support young people whom they believe display the qualities needed to thrive in the British Film and Television industry. The Foundation look for evidence of genuine passion and a strong work ethic from young people before considering anyone to be deserving of support or scholarships in Mark’s name. The Foundation help a successful applicants overcome the challenges of finding work experience, mentorship and eventual employment in an industry that is traditionally difficult to access without the benefit of insider contacts.

With regards to the nature of Mark’s death, they are determined to educate and promote modern Health and Safety practice and to evolve in a way that best serves the scholars, the Film and Television Industries and the memory of Mark Milsome.

What is Mark’s Gift?

Every year, on Mark’s birthday, the Foundation gifts £2,000 to someone they believe Mark would have wanted to support. In Mark’s 60th birthday this year, they hope to provide the opportunity to apply to a larger group of individuals including those that are not known to them. To be eligible for the gift, applicants must be starting their career in film and TV, have a keen interest in the camera department and have a specific film project in mind that they are seeking funding for.

How to apply

If you are interested and think that you might meet the application criteria, please email secretary@markmilsomefoundation.com with:

  • Your complete application form
  • Your up-to-date CV
  • 500 words about yourself, why you think you would be a good recipient for Mark’s Gift, and some details about what the money would go towards.

The deadline to submit your application is 30 September, 2023.

If you’re having trouble accessing the application form, please email contact@markmilsomefoundation.com expressing your interest.

Once you have applied, if they think you fit their criteria, the Mark Milsome Foundation will be in touch later on down the line to request further materials relating to your application.

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.

BFI Discovery and Impact Feature Funding 2023

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Discovery and Impact feature funding

BFI Discovery and Impact feature funding awards money from the National Lottery to support original live action and animation feature filmmaking.

  • Discovery feature funding supports funding for debut directors with a budget of up to £3,500,000. It provides awards of up to £1,000,000.
  • Impact feature funding is for more experienced directors or debut filmmakers with projects budgeted above £3,500,000. It provides awards of up to £1,250,000.

Who can apply

Applications must made by the film’s producer.

Full eligibility criteria are contained within the funding guidelines:

How to apply

You can apply online once you’ve read the funding guidelines in full. There is an application link in the guidelines.

Discovery feature funding

The Discovery Fund will re-open to applications on Monday 17 July until Wednesday 16 August at 6pm (BST).

Following this round, the Discovery Fund will re-open again in November 2023 for applications.

Impact feature funding

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.

When you can apply

Discovery feature funding

  • Monday 17 July until Wednesday 16 August.
  • November until January 2024 (exact dates TBC)

Impact feature funding

  • Funding can be applied for on a rolling basis from 21 March 2023.

If you have any questions relating to this funding or your application, email productioncoordinator@bfi.org.uk

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.

BFI NETWORK: More Films for Freedom 2023

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BFI NETWORK: More Films for Freedom 2023

More Films for Freedom is a partnership between BFI NETWORK and the British Council that aims to find and fund vital, creative collaborations that explore LGBTQIA+ global human rights, intersectionality or diaspora identity.

The fund was inspired by the #FiveFilmsForFreedom digital campaign, which originated in 2015 as a partnership between BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival and the British Council and has had 23 million views from over 200 countries and principalities.

We aim to commission up to three new projects that will have at their heart an element of collaboration between UK-based filmmakers and storytellers from both Africa and the Middle East.

What you can apply for

The successful applicants will be awarded a grant of up to £25,000 each to cover the costs of all stages of production, delivery of materials, and team travel.

We can support fiction, documentary and animated film, and films that cut across these generic distinctions. All films should have a strong central idea and storyline which will help them reach a wide range of audiences internationally.

How to apply

You must read the funding guidelines in full before applying online.

If you need help with your application, read about access support available below.

When you can apply

Applications are open now and close on Tuesday 29th August 2023.

If you have any questions about this funding or your application, email MoreFilms4freedom@bfi.org.uk.

Access support for your application

We can assist you if you have access requirements and need support to make an application. See access support for BFI funding applicants.

Finding collaborators for your projects

Find information on talent development and networking opportunities in your area by connecting with your local BFI NETWORK team.

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.

The Prince William BAFTA Bursary 2023

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The Prince William BAFTA Bursary is a fund to help assist junior creatives with the costs of progressing their career in film, games or television.

Following a successful pilot year in 2021, the 2022 bursary fund allowed applicants to apply for up to £2,000 towards specific costs such as a training course (including driving lessons), the costs of equipment or software, or relocation costs.

“I am hugely proud of BAFTA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that young talent from all walks of life are given every possible opportunity to build and develop successful careers in the film, games and television industries”. HRH Prince of Wales, President of BAFTA.

To be eligible to apply, applicants must:

The Prince William BAFTA Bursary Fund is generously being supported by:

Farah Asemi and Hassan Alaghband, Andy Serkis and Lorraine Ashbourne, Christopher Bake, Barbara Broccoli, Carrie Burke, Eilene Davidson, James Davies, Dame Judi Dench, Heather Farrer, John Glencross, Mark and Laura Laurence, Hamish McAlpine, Jason McNab, Joseph Nehorai, Michelle and Simon Orange, Talulah Riley, The Estate of Linda Shire, The Thompson Family Charitable Trust, Igor and Yulia Tikhturov, Natasha Tsukanova, Kevin Ulrich, Robert Wade, Ian Waring, Amelia Winter, The Zilberman Film Foundation.

How to apply

BAFTA are accepting applications until 12:00 (midday) 31st July 2023. You will need to register or log-in to submit an application for the BAFTA Prince William BAFTA Bursary HERE. If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact apply@bafta.org.

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.

POCC Film Fund 2023

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2023 POCC x Shutterstock Film Fund: #YourSpace

POCC are thrilled to announce that they’ve partnered with Shutterstock to launch their first POCC Film Fund in 2023. In honour of this year’s theme #YourSpace, the 2023 Film Fund will give two filmmakers of Global Majority Heritage £5,000 each to create their own short film answering the brief: What does ‘your space’ mean as we continue to fight for equality?

WHAT IS THE POCC FILM FUND?

POCC is an organisation of transformation championing change through creativity, activism and non-traditional means. They believe in the power of creativity to drive positive change for the respective communities, and they recognise the barriers to entry and access to funds for global majority creative professionals.

They are funding two short films with budget contributions of up to £5,000 this year with the support of Shutterstock. Projects will receive creative and mentorship support from POCC Productions team, and will be amplified across POCC and Shutterstock channels as well as their POCC Film Club Screenings at London Picturehouse Central.

POCC encourage Filmmakers to team up with a producer before applying, however you do not need a producer to apply as they can facilitate partnerships with producers for successful applicants.

WHO CAN APPLY?

  • UK directors and filmmakers and those with equivalent experience over the age of 18 are welcome to apply.
  • You must identify as Global Majority – having African, Caribbean, Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islander and/or Indigenous heritage.
  • You must be based in the UK.
  • You should have a minimum of 1 year film and production experience.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUBMIT

A Treatment – please submit a treatment which includes a synopsis of your idea and vision for the film, how it responds to the brief ‘What does ‘your space’ mean as we continue to fight for equality?’, Your Script, Visual approach, Cast, Music /Sound, Post Treatment, Crew.

Budget Estimate Template – please download and complete the production budget estimate template. This doesn’t need to be perfect, but gives POCC a sense of how you’d approach the film in bringing to life. Please outline if you have committed funds from other sources outside of the POCC Film Fund to bring your film to life.

Production Schedule Template – please download and complete the production schedule template with a topline overview of your production timings. Again this doesn’t need to be perfect –  but is helpful for POCC to get a sense of how you’d approach topline timings for production.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applications open 10am (BST) on Wednesday 31st May 2023 and will be accepted until 12 noon (BST) on Sunday 23rd July 2023.

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of creative and production specialists from POCC and Shutterstock. The POCC Productions team are happy to review ideas for short films of a length of up to 10 minutes, but ideas should consider the £5,000 budget contribution.

Shortlisted artists will be notified in August and invited to a round of interviews with the panelists to present their treatment and discuss production approach and support.

Final filmmakers will be selected, notified and awarded the grant in August 2023. Once selected, films will need to be delivered by 15th December 2023, so please ensure you consider the production window between September and December this year before applying.

KEY DATES

Please take note of the following key dates for applicants and f inalists, it is important that if you are selected as a finalist, you are available between August-November 2023 to produce your f ilm.

APPLICATIONS

  • MON MAY 29 – Applications Open
  • SUN JULY 23 – Applications Close
  • MON 24 JULY – FRI 4TH AUGUST – POCC and Shutterstock Review Applications. Filmmakers shortlisted for interviews.
  • W/C 7th AUGUST – Interviews held with filmmakers to discuss treatment, budget, approach and support.
  • W/C 14th AUGUST – Successful Filmmakers Notified
  • W/C 21st AUGUST / September – Finalists announced and grants awarded and transferred

PRODUCTION

  • SEPTEMBER – Pre–Production Commences
  • OCTOBER – Shoot Window
  • NOVEMBER – Post and Edit
  • W/C 4th DECEMBER – Filmmakers deliver final film
  • W/C 11th DECEMBER – Amplification across POCC and Shutterstock Channels
  • JAN 2024 – Promotion / Film screening at POCC Film Club across POCC and Shutterstock Channels

HOW TO APPLY

The deadline for applications is 23rd July 2023.

Complete the application form HERE.

Please read FAQs HERE or if you have any questions, please email filmfund@wearepocc.com

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.

The Space 2023 Commissioning Round

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Digital Commissions

Arts and cultural organisations based in England, including museums, libraries, community organisations and local councils with a cultural project, can apply for a digital commission of up to £15,000 (excluding VAT). 

Commissions are for you to develop and deliver a creative digital project. This might be a video or audio project, or an interactive or immersive experience. 

If your application is successful, The Space can provide support in areas where you may need help, e.g., digital production, content distribution, audience development and online rights. 

They will let you know if your application is successful by Wednesday 26 July 2023. Your project should be something your organisation can publish before the end of February 2024. 

The Space will be commissioning up to 10 creative digital projects in this round.  

To find out more about this opportunity, please read the Commissioning Brief and Terms and Conditions.

Support for Applicants

The Space can arrange help to complete the application form, to apply in different ways, or for information to be provided in different formats.  

If you need support to access, complete or submit the application form, would like more information about the process or information in a different format, please contact The Space by emailing commissioning@thespace.org or telephoning 0121 663 1488 and leave a message including your contact details.

This programme is funded by Arts Council England.

How To Apply

In the application form, they ask for a brief overview of your idea, your artistic experience and an estimated budget.

The deadline for applications is 5pm Thursday 29 June 2023.

APPLY HERE

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.

Grey Moth Non-Fiction Film Fund 2023

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Investing in original ideas and emerging talent

Grey Moth are excited to launch the non-narrative / non-fiction film fund, an initiative that provides £5,000 + bespoke production support + £2,500 kit hire credit + festival strategy towards one project challenging the conventional documentary format.

Whether you’re a standalone documentary filmmaker or working with a team, they want to hear from you!

Grey Moth and their Partners

Grey Moth Originals launched in 2020. To date, they have four completed projects currently at festivals, one in post-production and 2 in pre-production. The rationale of supporting these projects is based on:

The value of the idea, the competence of the filmmaker to deliver to the project’s full potential, and a realistic grasp on how the film is to be completed with Grey Moth’s help.

T A P E Collective

Founded by Isra Al Kassi and Angela Moneke in 2015 to curate screening events which respond to the lack of representation on screen –  T A P E ’s mission remains to support under-served titles, and barriers to accessing cinema and filmmaking with a focus on representation, identity and heritage with the aim to find new audiences, create conversations and collaborations across the creative sector.

Shoot Blue

Shoot Blue is an independent camera and lighting equipment rental house based in London, UK. They supply cutting-edge creative tools to cinematographers, filmmakers and digital content producers.

The Award

  • £5,000 film funding
  • Production support from Grey Moth
  • A bespoke film festival strategy from T A P E collective
  • £2,500 kit credit note with Shoot Blue

Eligibility

In order to apply your team must fit the following:

  • You must be living in the UK
  • You must be over 16 years old
  • Any level of filmmaking experience is welcome
  • Project in pre-production, they don’t offer this as finishing funding

What They’re looking for

  • projects that challenge the conventional formats
  • no scripted drama projects
  • no music videos
  • projects that are experimental, stand apart, play with form, explore niche and hybrid forms
  • Proposed films should be 5-10 minutes in length
  •  films must be able to deliver before February 2024
  • No additional funding to be found or raised to complete the project

Key Dates / Timeline

  • Applications open on Wednesday 21st June
  • Applications close on Wednesday 19th July
  • Winner announced on Monday 28th August
  • Complete by 28th February 2024

APPLY HERE

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on InstagramTwitter or Facebook.