Funding for filming

2. There are many sources of
funding available to short
filmmakers:
Government fundingfor shorts comes largely throughthe UK
Film Council, but there are other sources if you are prepared to
look hard and to work your filmaround their agendas.Many
fundingsources lookto funddigital shorts rather than projects
thatwantto shoot on film,based on theargumentthatnew
directors should cut their teeth onthe cheaper medium.

3. Local Councils
Local councils will oftenput money towards a short filmmaking
initiative,especially if it deals withsocial exclusion oraids the
local communityin some way. You could visit your local council
or county website to findout if theirarts departmentwill
support a filmproject.

4. Charities
A number of charitiesfund shortfilms.If you're interestedin getting
fundingfroma charity, think laterallyaboutthe typeoffilmyou are
tryingtomakeand don’tbeafraidtocontactorganisationsthatare in
somewaylinkedtothetopic/goalofyour film.For examplethe
WellcomeTrust (UK'slargestmedicalresearch charity) has an Arts
Award thatfundsprojects (including short films)inspiredby
biomedicalscience.

5. British Council
Once your film is complete it can be a lengthyand costly process
gettingit seen. This is where theBritish Council can help. The
British Councilrun a long-establishedand uniquescheme
whereby selected filmsare promoted to the list of 50-60 major
internationalfilmfestivals. There are also other perks, such as
reduced entry fees, as wellas possible travel grants.

6. How to apply for funding:
Funders lookathundreds offilmapplications everyround,soanyapplicationyoumake shouldbeasdetailed andasstriking aspossible.
Thesuccess ofyourapplication willprobablydepend upon whatelements youhaveinplace e.g.thequalityofyourscript,thedirector,the
director ofphotographyandactingtalent thatyouhaveattached. Itisimportanttomaximise allthese elements inorderto make your
applicationasenticing aspossible.
Whattoinclude inapplication:
•CVs:Including those ofProducer, Director, Writer, Actors, Director of Photography, Production Designer
•Budgets& Schedules(see Filmmaking Guide: Budget & Schedule)
•A concise paragraphoutlining your idea: From a creative andtechnical point ofview (e.g. the director’s vision, the distribution plans for
the film etc).
•Storyboards & MoodBoards: It's really important toillustrate youridea. Applications with storyboardsormood boardsstand out far
morethan those without a visual element. Storyboardsaregraphicillustrations ofthe shots &scenes in your film.
•Makean impression: It sounds obvious but typed treatments/ideas/applications arefareasier toread and providea much neater
overview then a hastily written piece ofscrap paper. Check for spelling errors/typos, label everything, andmake sure yourapplication
delivers afirst(positive) impression that will help yourworkstand out fromthe rest.
•Showreel: Most funders will want tosee examples ofyourwork, so awell put together showreel is essential. If you haven't made a
complete film, your showreel could include: graphicdesign, a photo gallery,ads, viralsetc