Stage 2 applications open. A brand new programme for early stage writers and directors with North East Screen
Key information
Stage 2 Application deadline
Wednesday 11 December
What's involved
Directors: pitch your vision for film scripts
Film Generator is a new two-stage training programme with North East Screen that seeks to support the most exciting early-stage writers and directors in the North to experiment, find their voice, and develop as storytellers.
STAGE 2
For directors - applications open
In Stage 1 we supported 4 projects with development to turn them into films suitable for the microshort format. Stage 2 of Film Generator is now open for Directors to pitch to work with the films supported in Stage 1.
Selected Directors will have group sessions with industry guests and one-to-one mentoring with Film Hub North Talent Executives. Sessions and mentoring will cover subjects such as stylistic approach, the directors role and stages of production. This will be followed by a practical event where we’ll look to shoot the scripts with a small crew to get hands-on experience of directing.
We’ll be looking for bold interpretations of the scripts, taking the material and elevating the drama with distinctive approaches. Directors will apply with a description of their vision for the film along with supporting documentation demonstrating how they’d interpret the script and what they’d bring to the material. This opportunity is aimed at new filmmakers with exciting approaches to composition, performance, tone, sound and visuals that bring a new dimension to the material.
Film Generator is however primarily a training programme for Directors. It is not a film fund and does not constitute BFI NETWORK funding. You will work with preselected cast, crew and locations and whilst there is a small amount of money to put toward the practical element, the primary goal of the programme is in talent development and getting on-set experience, not necessarily the work produced.
Scripts
All of the projects adhere to the following guidelines:
This opportunity is open to anyone based in the North of England who is looking to start a career directing for film or is early in their journey as a director. No previous directing experience is required but we’d expect you to be artistically inclined and have some experience in a creative area. We’re not prescriptive in what that is though. You could be in theatre, a painter, a writer, or be making creative TikToks or YouTube videos.
Filmmakers who have already made BFI NETWORK funded shorts are not eligible for this programme, but we’re open to alumni of Film Academies and Film Academy programmes such as the Microshorts scheme.
We’re particularly interested in applications from traditionally underrepresented voices. Some of the scripts tackle issues pertinent to certain groups of people so for those scripts we’re particularly looking for people from those groups.
Although the programme is supported by North East Screen applicants can come from anywhere in the North.
Stage 2: Timeline
Thursday 14 November: Stage 2 open for applications
Friday 29 November: Directors in Conversation event at ARC Stockton
Wednesday 11 December (noon): Stage 2 deadline
Monday 16 December: Stage 2 decisions communicated to applicants
Monday 27 January - Monday 24 February: director sessions, likely on Monday evenings
This timeline has the potential to change but we’re committed to confirming selections before Christmas.
Directors in Conversation: 29 November, ARC Stockton
As part of the programme we will host a director-focused event on Friday 29 November at ARC Stockton, supported by North East Screen. We’ll be talking through directors' journeys and asking their advice on how to interpret scripts, find and convey your voice as a filmmaker, and pitch your creative vision. It will also be a chance to meet the Film Hub North team and hear more about the Film Generator programme.
North East Screen is the screen industries development agency for the North East. They work with emerging professionals, home grown filmmakers, production companies and artist filmmakers specialising in film, TV and screen-based arts, developing them through their talent development programmes.
