BFI Animation Grant Call

BBC Four in partnership with BFI are searching for a suite of short films to showcase the creativity and diversity of the next generation of animation talent working in the UK today.

They will be giving up to 12 individuals or teams the opportunity to have their film selected by a panel of representatives from BBC, BFI and the world of British animation. If successful, you will be awarded a grant of between £2,000 and £10,000 towards the creation or completion of your original film, the opportunity to have your film screened at BFI Southbank and the chance for it to be broadcast on BBC Four in late 2018.

What are they looking for?

• Bold and original projects which aim to innovate, including voices and visions that might otherwise go unseen or unheard.
• Animations that promise a distinctive and unexpected tone of voice – whether that’s arresting, disruptive, spiky, warm or witty, we’re looking for a confident, fresh and contemporary approach.
• Your film might focus on a topical issue of national importance, be a novel take on a timeless theme or it might even take inspiration in style or subject from a work of animation from the past.
• We welcome a wide range of animation genres from documentary to fiction, pure fantasy to comedy and your film can run anywhere between 2 and 10 minutes.
• We’re keen to receive ideas for animations in a variety of styles and techniques and from all nations and regions of the UK.

Are you eligible to apply?

To be eligible to apply you and if applying as a team, all team members, must be:

• A UK resident aged 18 or over at 23:59 on 12 March 2018.
• Either a student, or a new/emerging filmmaker. You are unable to apply if you’ve received a key creative credit on a broadcast TV programme, a feature length film, or more than three professional short films.
• For further guidance on definitions and eligibility please look at our terms and conditions.

How to apply?

• View the online application form and see what supporting documents you need to supply. Please also read the our guidelines carefully.
• You will be asked to name the figure of the grant you are asking for (up to £10,000) and supply a budget on that basis with your supporting documents. Please download budget template.
• Deadline is 23:59 on 12 March 2018

How will the commissions be awarded?

We plan to shortlist between 15 and 20 applicants who will be invited for interview on either 24 or 25 April 2018. Successful applicants will be awarded grants and the selected films will need to be completed and delivered by Monday 8 October 2018.

More details about the timetable for the process and production period are available in the guidelines and terms and conditions, which all applicants should read before applying.

Questions?

Please get in touch at animation2018@bfi.org.uk.

Application form

You can apply using our online application form.