FAQs - Production, Trade and Investment

Please see below for FAQs about investment and Writers/Directors/Producers.

INVESTMENT

Where does Vision and Media get its funding from?
In 2007 we had a total of £230,000 in Lottery Funding, which was used to fund all of our strands and schemes. The only scheme funded separately is our Digital Shorts Programme, which is funded 50% by the UK Film Council and 50% from Vision and Media. For Merseyside only, we have funding from the Merseyside Film and Television Fund (MFTVF).

So can Vision and Media fund my film?
Twice a year we accept submissions for feature film script development funding, for which you must submit a full draft script. The only fund offered by Vision and Media that can invest in feature film production is the Merseyside Film and Television Fund (MFTVF). As the name suggests this fund is dedicated to Merseyside, so applications to this fund must deliver significant economic and employment growth to the area.

We fund short film production through our short film schemes. The Virgin Shorts scheme is for entry-level filmmakers and Digital Shorts is for mid-level filmmakers who have some previous experience. Both schemes fund drama, animation and documentaries. Our highest level of short film funding is Digital Shorts Plus.

How can I get to know straight away about new schemes and opportunities?
Check our website regularly, and make sure you sign up to our monthly newsletter Create, which we use to announce all our schemes and initiatives.

How do I find out if I am eligible for Northwest Vision and Media’s schemes and investment?
Information about eligibility will be detailed in the guidelines for each scheme and fund.

Does my project have to be set in the Northwest of England?
It is not necessary for productions to be set in the Northwest of England, but there must be some connection to the Northwest in the project – e.g. key talent (writer, producer, director), story, subject matter. See guidelines on individual schemes for full details of eligibility.

Will Northwest Vision and Media fully fund my project?
No, you must also provide match funding in cash or in-kind towards the total budget. This can come from a contribution you make from your own resources in cash, and/or from other sources. Sources of match funding can come from applications to other organisations, in-kind contributions (e.g. services at no charge) and partnership funding.

Does Northwest Vision and Media offer retrospective funding?
In some instances, completion funding is available for short films only. To discuss whether your film is eligible please contact the department via phone 0161 244 3754 or email gemmaj@visionandmedia.co.uk

Can I make more than one application to Vision and Media?
Yes. However we will look at your ability to manage more than one project at a time, assuming you are successful with each of your applications.

Can I apply for schemes by myself?
Whilst certain schemes call for teams of writers, directors and producers, we will usually accept projects from individual new writers. If the project is taken forward, Northwest Vision and Media will advise on enlisting other key talent. See guidelines on individual schemes for full details of eligibility or if in doubt, speak to a member of the department.

I’m in full-time education, can I apply for Vision and Media’s schemes and investment?
No.

What other methods of public funding are available to new filmmakers?
Another organisation that might be of interest to you is Skillset which is the sector skills council for the audio-visual industry and can give you information about local and national funding and training initiatives and general career advice: www.skillset.org It might also be worth contacting the arts officer at your local or county council to see if they have any funds set aside for creative based projects.

WRITERS/DIRECTORS/PRODUCERS

Can you give me feedback on my script?
Unfortunately, we do not offer a script feedback service and only read scripts which have been submitted as part of a specific initiative or competition. You may find the Script Factory a useful resource, they offer a script feedback service for a fee. The Script Factory can be found at: www.scriptfactory.co.uk

I'm new to the region and I’m not sure what opportunities are available for me and my project. Can I talk to someone?
You are welcome to contact the PTI department by phone at any time where we will be happy to discuss opportunities pertinent to you. If appropriate, and after phone consultation, we may also offer informal one-to-one meetings with members of our team to advise you in more detail. Contact the department via phone 0161 244 3754 or email gemmaj@visionandmedia.co.uk

How can I copywright my script?
The easiest way to do this is to put a copy of your script in a self addrssed envelope and send it registered post. Make sure the date is shown and never open it. Aside from this, both the Script Vault and BECTU offer a script registration service which safeguards your copyright by registering you as the author and the date it was written.

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