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.

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.

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.

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.

Friday 1 November, 13:00 - 14:00

We are joined in conversation by Oliver Kassman, producer of Saint Maud, Love Lies Bleeding and Out of Darkness.

This discussion is aimed at both Writers/Directors and Producers. We will look at the development of genre projects and how they can stand out. The session will also address some of the common traits with genre projects and how feasible it is to raise finance to make them.

Wednesday 6 November, 18:00 - 18:30

This online session with BAFTA nominated screenwriter Laura Jayne Tunbridge aims to help you put together a strong application for the Early Development Fund, as well as help you with tips and advice for further funding applications and creating materials to pitch your project.

We'll be looking at what to put in a logline, how to write a compelling synopsis, and how to express your narrative and themes when you have a limited word count on a funding application.

Tuesday 22 October, 12:00 - 13:00

With applications for the BFI Early Development Fund now open, we’re hosting an online roundtable to help Northern filmmakers find out more about the fund and the wider process of developing a debut feature.

The roundtable will be hosted by our BFI NETWORK Talent Executives and will involve up to 30 filmmakers. If you're new to our work, they're a great place to get to know us and how we can help you develop as a filmmaker. And you'll have the chance to meet other filmmakers working across the North.

Thursday 24 October, 17:30 - 18:30

Join us for an online discussion to explain what the BFI NETWORK Early Development Fund is, and how it could support you as you embark on this important next step of your screenwriting career. Previously awarded writers from across the UK will be on hand to offer their insights, perspectives and tips, and there’ll be time at the end for your questions. Our special guests include Joe Inman, Dan Shaw, Jessi Gutch and Jack King.