Guides & Resources for Filmmakers
With our partners across BFI NETWORK we create handy guides and resources to support short film writers, producers and directors at every stage of production.
Is there something you’re looking for that we’ve not covered? Email us at bfinetwork@watershed.co.uk
Resources
Reflections: BFI NETWORK South West Animation Producer Lab 2024
In summer 2024 we ran an Animation Producer Lab to support entry-level animation producers from across the south west of England. This new lab was made possible by the Screenskills Animation Skills Fund.
New Voices x Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Our collaboration with Bristol Old Vic Theatre School allowed the writer-directors a chance to workshop their scripts with acting MA students. We sat down with Jess Wheeler, BFI NETWORK Talent Exec, and Em Smith, Head of Screen MA, to chat about the partnership and what it brought to New Voices.
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.
Intro to Immersive webinar
BFI NETWORK’s Short Film Fund is re-opening in March and it supports live-action, animation and immersive projects. In anticipation of this, we hosted a free online session tailored specifically towards those interested in developing immersive or VR-based short works of up to 15-minutes in length.
Stories To Change The World
'If climate is not in your story, then it’s science fiction' – Screenwriter and producer Dorothy Fortenberry.
A Talent Exec’s Guide to the Early Development Fund
BFI NETWORK South West Talent Executive Nadia Attia offers some pointers on applying to the BFI NETWORK Early Development Fund.
Selling Your Idea: What Makes a Great Funding Application?
BFI NETWORK South West Talent Executive Nadia Attia has read countless scripts for Channel 4, BBC, BFI, Studiocanal and more, and as an ex-filmmaker herself she’s been on the flipside of applying for funding. She took some time out to share her learnings with you, to help your application stand out and prepare you for the next round of funding.
Spines: A Case Study in Working with Neurodiverse Talent and Crew
In 2022 we commissioned one of our funded teams to create a case study on their short film Spines.
A Rough Guide to Animation Production
We’ve created a handy guide for anyone thinking about making an animated short – this PDF includes information on budgeting, workflows and ways into animation, as well as a glossary of terms and plenty of useful links.
A Short Guide to Music Licensing with PRSForMusic
BFI NETWORK South West interviewed Performing Rights Society (PRS) representatives David Newton and Kerryn Hill to help demystify the process of licensing music for film.
Short Film Toolkit
This toolkit, the first of its kind, is an easy to use, comprehensive, digital guide with insights from over 40 filmmakers, funders, festival programmers and distributors, unlocking vital insights and advice for aspiring talent to help them get the most out of their short film journey and accelerate their careers.
A Short Guide to Working With Music Supervisors and Composers
BFI NETWORK South West caught up with Angela Penhaligon, a freelance music supervisor – and an artist in her own right – to discuss her role and shed some light on rights, composers and keeping an open mind when it comes to music in film.
Resource Directory
Find an almost-exhaustive list of links and information on several filmmaking categories on the Independent Cinema Offices' website, which has been compiled by BFI NETWORK Talent Executives.
How To Make Your Film Shoot More Sustainable
This guide takes you through some useful information that considers how to minimise the environmental impact of your activity, no matter the size of your shoot.
BFI guidance on bullying and harassment prevention for the screen industries
Principles and guidance for tackling and preventing bullying and harassment in the screen industries commissioned by the BFI and supported by organisations across the UK.
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More from Film Hub South West
A Talent Exec’s Guide to the Early Development Fund
BFI NETWORK South West Talent Executive Nadia Attia offers some pointers on applying to the BFI NETWORK Early Development Fund.
A Rough Guide to Animation Production
We’ve created a handy guide for anyone thinking about making an animated short – this PDF includes information on budgeting, workflows and ways into animation, as well as a glossary of terms and plenty of useful links.
Animating the environment: Beltane case study
We spoke to the south west team behind BFI NETWORK funded short folk-horror animation Beltane to discuss their environmentally friendly production and narrative and share advice for future animation projects applying to the BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund.
Selling Your Idea: What Makes a Great Funding Application?
BFI NETWORK South West Talent Executive Nadia Attia has read countless scripts for Channel 4, BBC, BFI, Studiocanal and more, and as an ex-filmmaker herself she’s been on the flipside of applying for funding. She took some time out to share her learnings with you, to help your application stand out and prepare you for the next round of funding.
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Film Hub South West &
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are part of the BFI Film Audience Network, supported by The National Lottery.
