Events

Apply to BFI NETWORK SW’s Producer Lab 2023

Mon 17 July – Mon 14 Aug, 2023 | | Exeter Phoenix

Our Producer Lab weekender will take place on Sat 23rd and Sun 24th Sep and is open to aspiring, early-career producers based in the south west of England (see region map on our FAQs page). The lab is aimed at those who are interested in developing their skills as short film producers and applying to future rounds of the BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund. 

 

We’re particularly interested in candidates who might not yet identify as a producer but who have the relevant transferable skills; for example you might have experience in project/event management, fundraising, public relations, logistics, as a personal assistant… and be looking to make the move into filmmaking. 

The 10 selected participants will attend two days of masterclasses, case studies and practical activities at Exeter Phoenix and over Zoom, covering subjects such as collaborating with writers/directors, budgeting and finance, wellbeing and resilience, and how to produce a BFI NETWORK-supported short. There will also be a key-note speech from a special guest. Participants will leave with a greater awareness of how to establish themselves as a producer and successfully manage a short film production. 

Applications are now closed.

Who is this programme for? 

We’re looking for people with the ambition to be film producers. The ideal Producer Lab candidate will have good communication skills, a passion for storytelling and the ability to work collaboratively. 

To be eligible for the Producer Lab you must: 

  • Have an interest in producing the moving-image work of others 
  • Be over 18 and not in full-time education 
  • Have a passion for cinema and an idea about what stories you want to tell 
  • Be a resident in the south west of England
  • Be able to attend both days in full: in-person at Exeter Phoenix on Sat 23 Sep, and the online sessions on Sun 24 Sep


You do not need to have produced a short film before, however we will be assessing applications based on proven commitment to storytelling and/or working in film production.  

Travel bursaries will be available to those who need financial assistance, please state this on your application. 

QUESTIONS? Email bfinetwork@watershed.co.uk.

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+.

The Bristol Screen Producers alliance offers a gateway to filmmakers wishing to develop their ideas with individuals who have a wealth of producing experience in film, TV and commercials across a variety of genres. This variety allows the collective to share their experience and resources whilst offering filmmakers with a proven track record and a proposed project, the mechanism to pursue their idea. By coming together, this alliance of Producers and Executive Producers aim to seek out new and emerging talent and to strengthen the region’s ability to land commissions and encourage production in the region.

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Exeter Phoenix is a vibrant, world-class multi-artform venue in the heart of Exeter’s city centre. Each year they host hundreds of events and artistic activity spanning many disciplines. Live music, theatre, cinema, contemporary art, DJ events, dance, comedy, talks, creative courses, classes and workshops, family events… and everything in between.

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Film Hub South East is part of the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN). They work with cinemas, film festivals, film societies and community groups across the region to support a thriving and inclusive film exhibition sector. The Film Hub South East region covers Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Surrey and Sussex.

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