Written by Kianna Best on Dec 16, 2022. Posted in General Interest

BFI and Film4 launch Future Takes

BFI announced their partnership with Film4 on 15 December for the launch of Future Takes, a new pilot to expand the practice of emerging filmmakers from across the UK, offering workshops and structured support for the selected filmmakers, as well as offering a range of expertise across the process.  Funded by the BFI National Lottery and Film4, the initiative will contribute to building sustainable careers amongst upcoming filmmaking talents.

“This pilot is a direct response to the call we repeatedly heard through our consultation and my listening tour, for more possibilities in the funding landscape for this area of talent development that were open to all,” commented Mia Bays, Director of BFI Film Fund. “Future Takes aims to offer emerging filmmakers the means to make work that has greater narrative and cinematic scope, and more space to enhance and develop their practice. From discovering new talent who may not be on our radars, through to kick-starting careers that may have stalled, we hope these shorts will launch at international festivals, spark interest from the market and announce the filmmakers to industry as talent to watch and invest in. In teaming up with Film4, we are together developing more opportunities for UK filmmakers, and helping to launch more careers”.

Image courtesy of Gordon Cowie

Awarding up to GBP 90,000 each to up to seven projects, the open call for applicants will be seeking ambitious and original short form work submissions. Backing projects which meet the expectations, including a clear career progression and exploration of a more complex story world, Future Takes will be available to those with a background in filmmaking, theatre, TV, video gaming, commercials, music videos, graphic novel, with a writer or director who has had previous experience.

Farhana Bhula, Senior Commissioning Executive, Film4, said: “From Foresight to our upcoming series of shorts by disabled and neurodivergent filmmakers, Film4 has a strong track record in supporting ambitious short form work. We’re now proud to collaborate with our partners at the BFI to open out this opportunity to filmmakers from all creative backgrounds, driven by our shared desire to nurture the next generation of talent across the UK.”

Supported by the BFI National Lottery, and in partnership with Bridge )^ and Julie Fernandez, the new fund will also pilot an Access Coordinator role on all funded projects. With an aim to creating a more inclusive space and encouraging a more proactive approach to accessibility on film productions, the inclusion of this initiative will be a first for the BFI. In adding this role to the production team, the necessary adjustments are being made to supplement the understanding of the whole team around this cause as well as ensure the needs of all cast and crew are taken into consideration.

Image courtesy of Avel Chuklanov

Alice Cabañas, Head of BFI NETWORK, said: “The talent we see coming through BFI NETWORK from across the UK is truly exciting, yet many still face difficulty to fully break into the sector and change a love and passion for film into a meaningful and fruitful career. Future Takes addresses that, nurturing talent, but also supporting them to build their skills and capabilities as a filmmaker. In line with our mission to ensure funding and opportunities reach talent regardless of their background or where they live, this is an open call, so I invite any UK talent who have a strong track record in short form work to get your applications in!”

The deadline for all applications is Monday 13 February 2023. They will be assessed and the fund will be delivered by the BFI and Film4, with input from BFI’s NETWORK’s talent executives from across the UK nations and regions.