Mia Bays

Source: BFI

Mia Bays

The British Film Institute (BFI) Film Fund has laid out the dates for the closure of applications to the Film Fund, as the reset BFI National Lottery funding strategy kicks in from April 2023.

From November 30, the BFI Development Fund and Completion Fund will be closed to new applications. The Production Fund will close to new applications for debut features but will continue to receive applications for second and above features and XR/VR projects. From January 13 2023, the Production Fund will close to all applications.

More details of the BFI National Lottery funding for filmmaking will be published in early 2023, with a view to opening funds in February, including development and production funding for features and XR/VR projects, as well as support for project development.

“We welcome applications until the closing dates, but please be aware there is limited scope for new applications to the Production Fund,” said a statement from the BFI. “Therefore, we recommend that any projects which are not time sensitive consider waiting for details of the new production fund/s to be published and opened in 2023. Supplementary funding awards for projects which are currently in development or production with us at the BFI Film Fund may be considered during the period of closure.”

Speaking at a reception for BFI-supported filmmakers held during the BFI London Film Festival on Friday (October 7), Mia Bays, director of the BFI Film Fund, said: “It’s incredibly important we continue to back a diverse range of voices, and UK-wide is incredibly important and significant, and continuing the work around equity, diversity and inclusion.”

“It’s tough times as a sector, it’s boom for many and bust for others,” Bays added. “We know it’s incredibly important we understand that. We can’t fix everything and help everyone all the time, but we are always here and we are listening and doing what we can to be fit for purpose and very much at the leading edge for support.”

In September, the BFI unveiled its 10-year National Lottery funding strategy, with its initial three-year funding plan, and its 10-year corporate strategy, Screen Culture 2033.