Short Films

Short films are critical in identifying interesting talent, developing writers, directors and producers. They give filmmakers real life experience, allowing them to demonstrate to producers and funders that they understand the filmmaking process, and have the potential to make a feature film.

We run a series of short film schemes aimed at developing the skills and visual style of filmmakers. Our shorts schemes follow a simple natural progression, starting with Virgin Shorts, moving on to Digital Shorts and finally Digital Shorts Plus.

Virgin Shorts
The first rung on the filmmaking ladder and is funded via the Lottery.

Digital Shorts and Digital Shorts Plus
Both funded by the UK Film Council’s New Cinema Fund.

The purpose of our short film schemes is to prepare filmmakers for the move into features. So far, six graduates of the digital shorts scheme have gone on to make their first features. Two more are being supported through our micro budget feature film scheme Digital Departures.

We also offer Short Film Completion Funding, for filmmakers who are looking for help with finishing their short films.

Read the Filmmakers Guide at BBC Film Network.

Film