Development funding
The BFI’s Development Fund is intended for the formal development of projects that are unlikely to be commercially financed at an early stage and would therefore benefit from National Lottery support. Please ensure that you have read our funding priorities before you apply to this fund.
We aim to award funding to distinctive and original live action and animated fiction film across a range of genres, approaches and perspectives.
Please refer here if your project is a documentary.
Filmmaking teams from across the UK, who can demonstrate previous experience in writing, directing and producing, are eligible for BFI development funding, and we aim to help these filmmakers develop compelling and viable projects to a point at which they are ready to seek production funding, from the BFI or other sources.
Filmmakers with less experience, those at the start of their careers, and writers and directors without a producer, should visit the BFI NETWORK, which supports new filmmaker voices with networking, professional development opportunities and funding.
Covid-19 response
The BFI is keen to ensure producers impacted by COVID-19 can continue to develop projects, operate their companies and retain staff, including engaging writers, directors and other freelancers. We are offering greater flexibility in the scheduling of payments and frontloading fees, and can now cash flow funds up to 80% for each step (e.g. a draft). Producers of already awarded ‘live’ projects can email DevelopmentCoordinator@bfi.org.uk to request acceleration of payment on a similar basis.
Please ensure you have read the full funding guidelines before you complete the application form.
We can provide assistance to applicants who are D/deaf, hard-of-hearing, Disabled or neurodiverse people, and people with sight loss, where this support is needed in order for someone to make an application to the Film Fund. Visit Access support for BFI Film Fund and Film Audience Network applicants for information.
For more information, please visit: https://www.bfi.org.uk/supporting-uk-film/production-development-funding/development-funding
