Funding and Opportunities

ScreenSkills bursaries

A ScreenSkills bursary is a cash grant to remove the obstacles to getting into the screen industries or progressing your career once you’re in.

You can apply for money to pay for most things that relate to work and continuing professional development, such as training fees, accommodation, care, disability access costs, equipment, software and travel.

The fund is open until 13th March 2022.

The RTS Bursary Scheme

The RTS offers two bursary schemes (the Technology bursary and the TV Production and Journalism bursary) to talented students from low-income backgrounds, intending to pursue a career in television.

As well as providing free RTS membership, industry mentoring, and access to the latest events and lectures, RTS supports bursary students financially, awarding £1000 per academic year of study.

The application window is now open and closes on Thursday 30th September.

The Grierson Awards

Grierson 2021: The British Documentary Awards are now open for entries.

Established in 1972, the Griersons are the biggest event in the UK documentary calendar. The awards recognise and celebrate documentaries from Britain and abroad that have made a significant contribution to the genre and that demonstrate quality, integrity, creativity, originality and overall excellence.

Entries close Friday 28th May. 

The Network - The Edinburgh International TV Festival

The Network is a free entry-level scheme for anyone aged 18+ who wants to start a career in television.

The Network takes place every August alongside the Edinburgh TV Festival. The 60 delegates selected for the 2021 programme will get three days of digital sessions, masterclasses and workshops led by industry professionals, as well as a free Festival pass, a year of mentoring and access to exclusive paid jobs.

Applications are now open and will close on Friday 30th April.

Script Lab 2021

Applications are now open for Film Hub North’s Script Lab 2021.

This is their annual filmmaker development programme that supports creatives in the North to turn their ideas for short films into completed scripts in a collaborative, inspiring environment.

The 2021 edition runs online from May – November.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 23rd April.

Blue Lights Programming module - Channel 4

In 2019 Channel 4’s Legal & Compliance team launched a free interactive training resource to help equip production companies and producers to deliver creative and compliant programming.

The first e-module focused on Factual Programmes and is available on the 4Producers Handbook. Due to the success of the first module, the team commissioned a second module on Blue Lights programming which launched on Monday 12th April. This e-module focuses’ on filming with the emergency services, so give it a go!

Channel 4 and NFTS Online Masterclass and Training Sessions

Channel 4 and the National Film and Television School (NFTS) have joined forces to provide a week of free training, masterclasses and workshops with a broad theme of pitching and development.

This is part of the 4Skills initiative to support the development of talent based in the nations and regions. All sessions will run virtually, and are open to nations and regions indies and freelancers.

The week of sessions takes place Monday 12th – Friday 16th April.

Leeds Channel 4 Virtual Open Day

Join Channel 4 for a day of sessions specifically for independent production companies and freelancers including a Meet the Commissioners Q&A where you’ll get a chance to hear from commissioners based in Leeds; 4Studio and digital commissioning, presentations from the Audience Insight team, We Are Motion and a drop-in with the legal and compliance team.

Their virtual open day will take place on Wednesday 21st April.

Film + TV Production Restart Scheme

The Film and TV Production Restart Scheme helps film and TV shows struggling to get insurance for Covid-related risks to get back into production.

The Scheme makes direct compensation available to producers that incur costs caused by coronavirus abandonment or delays to eligible pre-existing and new productions.

BFI

The BFI supports filmmakers and the screen industry in the UK and abroad. It has a number of different funding and grant schemes that may be applicable to you.

Their page is regularly updated, and it’s always worth checking to see if you meet any of the schemes’ criteria.

Film + TV Charity

The Film + TV Charity have a number of grants and access schemes available for people working in the industry. At the moment, their support schemes are all paused with the new programme being launched in Autumn 2021.

If you are in desperate need of financial support they do have support grants for immediate help. To see if you are eligible and to find out more, please complete their application form.

Funding Finder - BFI Network

The BFI Network has a useful directory highlighting funding opportunities for new and emerging UK writers, directors and producers.