Art of Action
Take part in a UK-wide season celebrating the artistry, historic roots and cross-cultural influences of action cinema

In a still from Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, a person holds a samurai sword in their hands.In a still from Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, a person holds a samurai sword in their hands.

Funding available

Film Menu: Up to £125 per film
Bespoke Projects: Up to £15,000
Cross-FAN Projects: Up to £15,000

Dates & deadlines

Deadline for Bespoke & Cross FAN proposals: Friday 21 June 2024, 17:00
Deadline for Menu proposals: Monday 30 Sept 2024, 17:00
Activity window: October - December 2024

Image: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon © 2000 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

BFI FAN is proud to unveil a new UK-wide season – Art of Action – celebrating the artistry of real action choreography that’s kept audiences on the edge of their seats since the early days of cinema.

Conceived by FAN and delivered in partnership with BFI, Art of Action offers an action-packed journey through cinema from the jaw-dropping stunts of silent cinema pioneers via the daredevil ethos of Hong Kong filmmaking to today’s intricate dynamic visual choreography.

Art of Action will explore the cinematic artistry, skill and craft involved in creating iconic sequences and films, as well as engage with the historic roots and cross-cultural influences of action cinema. You can also expect behind-the-scenes insights into the daring and ground-breaking world of the film action community and opportunities for the next generation of creatives.

Backed by a UK-wide Press and marketing campaign and a central listing platform, the season will have a broad audience appeal.

We are now inviting cinemas, festivals and multi arts & media organisations to present seasons, events and screenings that celebrate the art of action and the stunt community since the invention of cinema.

You must be a member of Film Hub North as part of BFI Film Audience Network to access support from this programme. You can read more about how to become a member here.

Where do I start?

Please check the Creative Brief below for more information about the programme scope and to get some inspiration.

You can also get ideas from the list of available contextual titles that are available to book.

How can I engage with the programme?

There are three ways you can engage with the programme and access support:

  • BESPOKE: Up to £15,000 (average awards likely to be circa £5,000 based on previous activity) to develop bespoke projects to allow exhibitors to develop a more bespoke activity within the parameters of the Creative Brief.
  • CROSS-FAN: Up to £15,000 to develop programme and/or Marketing/Outreach Activity with the potential to scale or tour across the UK and/or projects involving multiple site-specific events across the UK. Read the Funding Guidelines for more information and guidance.

Period of activity:

The season takes place UK-wide from October to December 2024. Please note that for non-theatrical members, the menu will be available to book until the end of Jan 2025.

Accessibility:

If you require any access needs for completing the form, you may email us directly via: info@filmhubnorth.org and we can advise how we can accommodate your needs to complete a proposal. You can find further support for access via the BFI here.

What are the guidelines for this fund?

Please read carefully the Creative Brief and Funding Guidelines below:

How do I apply?

Below you will find a Word version of the Bespoke/Cross-FAN form to plan your application, however, all applications should be submitted through the application button below. Unfortunately, the application process cannot be saved mid-progress, so please bear this in mind when completing your proposal.

Word version of BESPOKE/CROSS-FAN application

Click Here To Submit Your Application