The fund is now closed and will reopen in autumn 2026.
BFI NETWORK Early Development funding supports the early stages of development for debut long-form projects. This highly competitive fund supports writers with a strong creative track record, who do not yet have the first draft of a script, or equivalent format for immersive work, to produce an initial treatment outlining the story, characters, themes and structure of their project along with related materials such as a mood board or other visual content.
The first stage of the fund supports long-form live-action, immersive and animation fiction projects with awards of £3,000 to £5,000 to develop a treatment.
Projects that are supported at treatment stage and which are completed to schedule will then be able to apply for a second stage of funding to complete a first draft of the full feature-length screenplay, or equivalent format for immersive work.
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
The Role of the Environment in Immersive Storytelling
Hear from Ruth Mariner, a previous recipient of the Early Development Fund, about the role of the environment when developing immersive long-form work.
Top seven tips for applying to BFI NETWORK South West Labs & Programmes
Here are some tips to help make your application clear, focused and genuinely reflective of you and your work.
Accessibility: Welcoming Deaf Audiences
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