The fund is now CLOSED. We expect it to re-open autumn 2025.
The BFI NETWORK Early Development Fund (EDF) supports the early stages of development for debut long-form scripted projects. Writers with a strong creative track record are invited to apply for a grant of between £3,000 and £5,000 to help them produce a 10-page treatment document (and potentially other supporting materials). This highly competitive fund is open once per year, usually in the autumn.
Find out more about the fund. Read the full funding guidelines.
Funded Projects
Explore the slate of EDF projects that BFI NETWORK south west has previously supported.
FAQs
Thinking of applying to the Early Development Fund? Check out these FAQs, answered by the Talent Execs.
Latest Guides & Resources See all
Stories To Change The World
‘If climate is not in your story, then it’s science fiction’ – Screenwriter and producer Dorothy Fortenberry.
BFI NETWORK South West: Short Film Fund Roundtable: Budgets 101
Find out more at this online discussion and hear from experienced producer – and BFI NETWORK South West’s Project Coordinator – Anna Duff, who ran through an example budget and offered practical tips and pointers.
BFI NETWORK South West Short Film Fund Roundtable: Meet the Producer
The BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund opens for applications this March. Join us for a discussion and Q&A with a special guest.
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