Development Fund
The aim of the Development Fund is to broaden the quality, range and ambition of film projects being developed in the UK and to build a talent-driven home for writers, directors and producers.
Important notice: The UK Film Council's film development and production funds are now in their final weeks of operation. Applications received after 26 February will not be accepted, click here for further details.
You can apply for development funding through the following programmes:
First Feature Film Development Programme
First Feature Film Development Programme aims to identify and support emerging filmmakers: screenwriters, writer/directors and writer, director, producer teams who have not made a feature film or who have not yet had a feature film released theatrically or broadcast on UK television. Generally, awards of up to £25,000 will be offered to screenwriters/writer-directors to write and develop a feature film.
Feature Film Development Programme
A dedicated industry funding programme for producers, production companies and filmmakers, with a demonstrable track record of success in feature filmmaking or in production in the audio-visual arena, looking for funding and financing partnerships. This programme will make awards to fund several stages of development up to and including pre-pre production of a project at rates in line with industry norms. Awards will be drawn down in stages, subject to satisfactory progress and will be repayable on the first day of principal photography of the developed work. Applicants are actively encouraged to bring development partnership funding from reliable end users (eg production financiers, broadcasters, distributors, etc).
Production Company Vision Awards
The Vision Award enables dynamic producers to source and develop feature film projects with creative vision, in order to benefit UK filmmaking talent and assist them in operating successfully in the international marketplace. The Development Fund has awarded 15 production companies up to £150,000 over two years. To find out more about the awards, click here.
Signature Awards
To help further encourage ambitious and original filmmakers and projects, and as an additional measure to ensure a continual supply of good quality British films, the Development Fund may, at its discretion, invite applications directly from filmmaking talent for Signature Awards aimed at world-class writers and directors with their own distinctive unique style. In addition, it may undertake feasibility work from time to time, on simplified contractual terms, to explore the viability of projects or ideas.
Please note that you cannot apply directly for Signature Awards or for feasibility funding.
