Both opportunities make it easier for exhibitors in the North to get involved with the UK-wide season of side-splitting film and TV that’s set to run from October to December and will include national releases of Some Like it Hot and 9 to 5, an overdue reappraisal of silent era star Mabel Normand and special events from the likes of The Dukes Lancaster who are screening Young Frankenstein in an as yet unrevealed "spooky historic location." 

Take a look at the squeaky new season trailer and read on for more information on the funding and programming options available.

Managed by Film Hub Midlands, the screening support fund makes available awards of between £150 - £1,500 to boost your Comedy Genius activity. Eligible costs include licensing fees, marketing expenses and costs for wraparound activity that might include speakers, performers or musicians.

Applications can be made on a rolling basis until 3 December, though screening support may close earlier if all funds are committed before this date.

The Independent Cinema Office’s Comedy Genius Tour provides exhibitors with a twelve film snapshot of the season’s key themes. Jacques Tati and The Marx Brothers square off for the title of slapstick superstar; silent era legend Buster Keaton shares the limelight with his sometimes overlooked contemporary Mabel Normand; the UK and the US offer up genre parodies courtesy of Monty Python and Mel Brooks; and there’s niche discoveries including a 1989 nearly-silent social satire and a playful chronicle of one chef’s heroic quest to create the perfect ramen.

The tour offers reduced rental rates on certain titles, funding for additional activities for venues booking more than one film and marketing support. Titles are available to book from 22 October 2018 to 31 January 2019.