Early Development Fund
Support for writers developing their debut feature

Vincent Franklin consults his script on the shoot for THE WILDSVincent Franklin consults his script on the shoot for THE WILDS

Funding available

Funding from £3,000 - £5,000
Support for writer & producer allowances

Dates and deadlines

2023 applications closed

The BFI NETWORK Early Development Fund supports writers in the North through the initial stages of development for debut long-form projects.

** Update, December 2023: applications for the 2023 round of the Early Development Fund are now closed. This page will be updated when applications open for the 2024 funding round. **

The Early Development Fund supports writers at the very beginning of their development process, prior to completing the first draft of a script. Funding is available to help writers produce an initial treatment, as well as related materials such as a mood board, with the aim of equipping writers with materials that can be used to seek support for further development.

You can apply for funding between £3,000 - £5,000 through the Early Development Fund. Support can go towards a writer’s allowance to cover your time invested in the early stages of project development. Funding can also contribute towards a producer’s allowance if you are working with a producer, as well as research and travel costs, and the creation of visual materials to support your project.

Writers working towards their debut long-form project in live-action, immersive or animation are eligible for support.

Applications for the 2023 funding round open on Thursday 12 October and close at midday on Thursday 30 November.

How to apply

Before applying, please read the funding guidelines on the BFI NETWORK website thoroughly to ensure your project is a good fit for the fund and is in the best position to succeed.

Read the guidelines

After reading the guidelines, you'll be prompted to submit your application via the BFI’s grant request form. You will need to create an account to make your application online. You can save your application and return to it later. Make sure you complete all the required sections as incomplete forms will automatically be deemed ineligible.

Further support

The BFI can provide assistance to applicants who have access requirements and need some support in order to make an application. Find out more about access support for BFI fund applicants.

If you have any further questions on the Early Development Fund, you can contact our team at: bfinetwork@filmhubnorth.org.uk.