EXCLUSIVE: The British Film Institute (BFI) has opened applications for the director of the Filmmaking Funds role, to take over from Mia Bays, whose contract ends in October.
The BFI is recruiting an individual on a five-year fixed-term basis with a salary of £100,000 – the same as the advertised salary in 2021. The fixed-term element was newly introduced for the role in 2021.
Media headhunter Quicksmith is managing the recruitment, with a closing date for applications of May 11 and first interviews commencing on June 8. The new director will report to Harriet Finney, deputy CEO and executive director of corporate affairs and partnerships.
The head of the funds leads across development, production, inclusion and wellbeing, sales and distribution, and business affairs. Key responsibilities include leading the distribution of £20m per year of BFI National Lottery investment in film development and production; guiding UK-wide talent and project development programmes through the BFI Network and Creative Challenge Fund; developing the vision and strategic direction of the BFI Filmmaking Funds; and contributing to the design of the National Lottery Funding Plan 2029-33.
“We are seeking a bold, influential leader with a broad outlook and strong connections across UK and international filmmaking communities,” stated the job ad pack. “A leader with the vision to consider how BFI Filmmaking Funds can support filmmaking and encourage bold storytelling across new platforms, with a focus on connecting to new and undeserved audiences.”
Finney said in the job ad: “This opportunity comes at a time of profound change for the sector, as the ways in which screen content is made, financed, distributed and experienced continue to shift. The incoming director will have a defining role in shaping the BFI’s response to this evolving landscape – directing National Lottery support for filmmakers and working with industry and government to strengthen the outlook for UK independent film.”
Finney also stressed the need for a funds director who is comfortable with exploring new audiovisual formats: “We are looking for a leader with a broad and generous vision: someone who understands both the traditions of independent filmmaking and the possibilities of new forms and platforms.”
The pack also noted, “While the primary focus is filmmaking (shortform, live-action, animation and documentary), the director will need to further consider BFI support for immersive and emerging storytelling forms.”
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