Cinematic will see three features with budgets of around $460,000 (£300,000) made over the next 18 months.

The Film Agency for Wales, in partnership with the BFI Film Fund, BBC Films, S4C and Soda Pictures, has developed a new initiative - Cinematic - for filmmaking talent from Wales to make “contemporary, dynamic and distinctive feature films” with budgets of around $460,000 (£300,000).

Three feature films, including one in the Welsh language, will be made over the next 18 months by directors in collaboration with emerging and established writers and producers.  

An initial ten teams will be selected and - with the support of Creative Skillset - participants will receive a tailored training and mentoring programme before selection of the final three films.

Soda Pictures involvement will see a market focus been built into the initiative from the outset and thinking around marketing, platforms and the wider exploitation of the intellectual property will be encouraged.

Edward Fletcher, managing director at Soda Pictures, said: “Not only does the scheme bring new opportunities for Welsh talent it also echoes recent calls for a more integrated approach across the film value chain, with production and distribution integrally linked to develop projects that will connect with audiences.” 

BFI Film Fund senior executive Chris Collins added: “Supporting emerging filmmakers across the nations of the UK is a priority for us and we’re also keen to foster opportunities for producers and distributors to work together in making distinctive films that can reach their audience. Cinematic does both of these things.”

Applications for the initiative must be received by Film Agency for Wales by July 26 and further information can be found at www.cinematicwales.com