Creative England opens two new funding schemes

Creative England has opened two new schemes to award Lottery funding, delegated by the British Film Institute (BFI), to support the development of filmmaking talent in the English regions.

The Development Fund and Film Networks Fund will be key drivers in delivering Creative England's Talent Development aims:

To nurture emerging and established regional filmmaking talent by supporting development of their work
To encourage a diverse and engaging on-screen cultural identity for the English regions
To stimulate innovative creative and commercial approaches to filmmaking
To promote the talent and creativity of the English regions to the world.

The Development Fund is inviting applications from individual writers, writer/directors and/or producers based in the English regions for the development of all types of feature films, including animation and documentary. The Development Fund totals £250,000 in its current round and applications are welcomed on a rolling basis. Awards will range from £2,500 to £25,000.

The Film Networks Fund is open to networks and organisations whose work supports and promotes filmmaking activities in the English regions. Funding will be available for a range of eligible activities including provision of editorial and technical support for emerging talent looking to produce work, delivery of networking, screening and industry speaker events and masterclasses, and provision of peer-to-peer support, mentoring, training and advice. The Film Networks Fund has £150,000 to award in this round. Awards will range from £2,500 to £25,000, and the deadline for applications is 30 January 2012.

As well as distributing Lottery awards, the Talent Development team will also provide advice, brokerage and practical help to filmmakers in developing and producing their projects.

Creative England launched on 1 October 2011, becoming a BFI delegated body for the distribution of National Lottery funds for film in the English Regions.

To read the full press release on the launch of the two funds, visit Creative England's website.

Publication date: 21 Nov 2011