Funding for UK's independent screen sector
Two strands of the UK Global Screen Fund are currently open for applications
Run by the British Film Institute (BFI), the fund aims to boost the UK's independent screen industry worldwide, including:
- film
- TV
- documentary
- animation
- interactive narrative games content
The fund offers support through three open access strands.
International Distribution
This supports sales and distribution of UK feature film projects (drama, documentary, animation) in international territories. Grants of up to £25,000 are available for the international sale, marketing, and promotion of a single eligible UK film.
This strand is open for applications on a rolling basis.
International Business Development
This supports business strategies that drive international growth and intellectual property (IP) development for companies working in film, TV and interactive narrative gaming.
Eligible companies can apply for funding through two tracks:
- Film Transformation Track - internationally oriented strategies for UK independent film
- General Track - business strategies across all eligible screen sectors to enhance international revenue and profile
Funding ranges from £50,000 to £200,000 over a three-year period and is provided as non-repayable grants for both tracks.
This strand is currently open for applications until midday on 28 June 2024.
International Co-production
This strand facilitates partnerships in global productions, sharing IP and revenue on TV and film projects with audience potential. Grant funding is available of up to £300,000 for feature film and television international co-productions, where the UK producer is a ‘minority’ partner or where multiple broadcasters contribute to the finance plan.
This strand is currently closed and will reopen in late September 2024.
Who can apply
The fund is open to UK-based independent screen companies. Consideration is given to where companies are based, where projects are made and how projects reflect the culture and talent of Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the English regions outside Greater London.
How to apply
Each strand of the fund has detailed guidelines for applicants. These guidelines explain how to write a good application, how to apply and what happens after you submit your application.
You can access these guidelines from the BFI's UK Global Screen Fund overview.
Belfast Q&A session
BFI is hosting an information session plus Q&A on its current International Business Development strand, as well as the International Co-Production and International Distribution strands.
The session will take place from 11:30am to 1:30pm on 17 April 2024 at the Ormeau Baths.
Register to join the UK Global Screen Fund event in Belfast.
First published 10 April 2024