New Voices is our three-month talent development scheme for underrepresented voices in the south west of England. We’re seeking writer-directors who have a short film idea but need some support to develop their script, build their confidence in the craft and prepare them to apply for BFI NETWORK funding. This is the third round of the scheme and we’re proud to be working with partners Blak Wave Productions, Little By Little Films and Grey Moth. New Voices will run from Mon 11 Sep to Mon 11 Dec 2023.
Eight writer-directors will benefit from:
- In-person and online workshops delivered by our two BFI NETWORK Talent Executives and industry specialists, covering subjects such as applying for BFI NETWORK funding, script editing and finding your path in the industry.
- Three mentoring sessions with one of our scheme partners.
- Three script-development sessions with a professional script editor, who will help progress their short film idea to a polished script.
- The opportunity to workshop their script with trained actors, delivered in partnership with Bristol Old Vic theatre school.
- A Q&A session with a previous New Voices participant.
- Access to our in-person networking mixer.
- Peer-to-peer sharing and plenty of new creative contacts.
Since this isn’t a practical filmmaking scheme, we’re seeking stories from those who already have some experience in making films or creating moving-image content, but who wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity to engage with film industry professionals due to barriers they might face. Therefore, we’ll only be shortlisting applicants who identify as underrepresented due to their sexuality, gender, socio-economic circumstances, disability or ethnicity.
To be eligible to apply for New Voices you must
- Not have received BFI NETWORK short film funding before.
- Be submitting just one idea and one application.
- Have aspirations to work as a writer-director, with the aim of applying for BFI NETWORK funding next year (or beyond).
- Have an idea for a narrative-driven short film (live action or animation) that’s no more than five minutes in length and achievable on a budget of around £10,000.
- Have made a short film before (this could be a student film), or have experience in creating moving-image content (such as visual arts, music videos, promo videos, online videos, ads).
- Be a resident in the south west of England (see region map here on our FAQs page).
- Be over 18 and not in full-time education.
- Be able to attend an online introductory session at lunchtime on Mon 11 Sep.
- Be able to attend three in-person days in Bristol on Fri 15 Sep, Mon 11 Dec and a date TBC (mid-November).
Travel bursaries are available for those who need financial assistance, please state this on your application.
Applications are now closed.
You will be notified of the outcome of your application the week commencing 29th Aug.
For individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria for New Voices, or are unsuccessful in their application, we offer a range of alternative opportunities. Stay connected by signing up for our mailing list so we can keep you in the loop.
We’re also available via email for any additional queries: bfinetwork@watershed.co.uk