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The BFI Film Fund Pitch
The BFI Film Fund Pitch at Sheffield Doc/Fest
Apply for documentary film funding from the BFI Film Fund
For the first time, the BFI Film Fund is considering applications from documentary filmmakers through twice yearly-pitching sessions – in London and Sheffield – with a panel of Fund executives, industry experts and peers. This new initiative is in recognition of the greater volume of applicants with theatrical documentary proposals, the current industry interest in the form and the more specialised consideration that this genre requires, (particularly for emerging talent). The process will allow for more detailed feedback and advice to all applications.
We will be inviting a short list of applicants to a pitching session in which you'lll have the opportunity to present your projects to a panel of experts, with representation from both the BFI Film Fund and the wider documentary funding community. This will be done in front of an audience allowing for a more public and transparent engagement that will benefit the documentary filmmaking community at large.
The Process
Projects will be assessed on their creative vision and the ability of the team to deliver that vision. Criteria will include strength of story and characters and the theatrical resonance of the project - i.e. why does it have to be a big screen project? Unsuccessful applicants will be given feedback and advice on other potential sources of funding.
A short list of six projects will be invited to present their projects at a public pitching session at Doc/Fest.
Prior to the pitching forum, the shortlist will be invited to partake in a preparatory pitching workshop on Tuesday May 28th, led by Doc/Fest's pitch trainer, Christina Burnett. This workshop is not mandatory, but is advised.
If this deadline is too early for you, a similar process of pitch training workshop and pitch event will be held in London in October/November.
The Pitch
Successful applicants will be expected to cover their expenses for attendance at both the pitch training workshops and the pitching sessions. On request from shortlisted applicants showing hardship, BFI may provide travel bursaries for attendance at both the pitch training workshops and the pitching sessions.
The pitching session will be a public event held on Saturday June 15th in Sheffield in front of a panel of experts comprising two senior execs from the BFI Film Fund and two external documentary industry experts. Each team will be given a 10 minute slot to present their project and any clips relevant to it.
Initial verbal feedback will be given immediately in the pitching forum. The fund awardees will be announced on the Saturday night of Doc/Fest at an industry networking event.
If successful with your pitch, the BFI will then issue a formal but conditional expression of interest in funding your documentary (Letter of Intent). For full terms and conditions of this award, please download the document on the left hand side of this page as well as this information on the BFI website.
How To Apply
THIS PITCHING OPPORTUNITY IS NOW CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS - ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED SOON ABOUT OUTCOME. A further opportunity to apply for BFI Documentary Film Funding will take place leading up to a pitching event in London in October - watch this space for further information.
If you have any queries about this opportunity, please email charlie at sidf.co.uk