BFI NETWORK New Voices 2023
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Mon 3 – Fri 28 July, 2023
BFI NETWORK New Voices 2023
Watershed
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
Watch our New Voices live Q&A below.
BFI NETWORK exists to support, develop, and champion new voices looking to kick-start their filmmaking career. Made possible through National Lottery funding, BFI NETWORK collaborates with film organisations and leading cultural venues across the UK to provide short film and early feature development funding, industry-backed professional development and networking support to producers, writers, and directors aged 18+.
Blak Wave Productions is an independent production company based in Bristol, committed to producing film and TV that better reflects our society, giving a voice to unheard voices and telling untold stories. Blak Wave strives to create content that is fresh, imaginative and crafted by diverse talent, utilising the skills and knowledge of Award winning self shooting director Michael Jenkins and producer director Somina ‘Mena’ Fombo. Passionate about literally changing the face of TV and film, they focus on creating entertaining, emotional and compelling stories across various genres, with recent credits including ‘The Shadow of Slavery’ for Channel 4, shorts for BBC Arts’ Culture in Quarantine’ and the upcoming live action ‘Pickney.’
Little By Little Films is a multi-award-winning independent production company dedicated to brilliant storytelling by and about underrepresented voices, with a focus on women, LGBTQ+ folks and D/deaf and disabled people. Founded in 2011 by Emmy®-winning producer and director Lindsey Dryden and now based in Gloucestershire, LBL Films is LGBTQ+- and disabled-led, and works collaboratively with authentic voices to tell powerful, unexpected and intimate stories with artistry, originality and inclusivity.
With credits on Netflix, BBC and PBS, work on display in Tate Modern and Tate Britain, and collaborators including Wellcome Trust, Royal Court Theatre and the ACLU, the company’s award-winning productions include Sundance Special Jury Award-winning feature documentary Unrest (2017, Netflix/PBS); Emmy®-winning documentary series Trans In America (2018, SXSW/ACLU/Condé Nast them.); narrative short The Forgotten C (2020, The Uncertain Kingdom); short doc Jackie Kay: One Person Two Names (2017, Tate Queer British Art); and feature documentary Lost and Sound (SXSW, 2012).
Grey Moth is a film studio bridging the gap between grassroots filmmaking and commercial production, based in South East London. They have solid experience across commercial video production, independent filmmaking, music videos, artist films, social media advertising and more.
Since 2013 they have delivered meaningful content to clients from a diverse range of industries including the educational sector, media, esports, luxury retail, and the arts. We’ve made work for the BBC, Chanel, Universal Music, Asics, University of the Arts London and the Royal Horticultural Society.
In 2020 they launched Grey Moth Originals, an initiative where our profits are invested directly in emerging talent, original ideas and our community.
More from Film Hub South West
Filmmaker FAQs | BFI NETWORK South West
Frequently asked questions on BFI NETWORK funding, applications and general advice.
New Voices 2021: Meet the Participants
BFI NETWORK, in partnership with production companies Blak Wave & Little By Little Films, are pleased to present our participants for the New Voices scheme 2021-22. This talent development opportunity aims to help aspiring South West and Midlands based filmmakers looking to develop their five-minute short film idea.
Watershed is the Lead Film Hub Organisation for Film Hub South West, part of the BFI Film Audience Network.
Watershed is a Registered Charity No. 284188 and a Social Enterprise
Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TX
Film Hub South West &
BFI NETWORK South West
are part of the BFI Film Audience Network, supported by The National Lottery.
