Funding For Filming Research
- 2. There are many sources of funding available to short filmmakers: Government fundingfor shorts comes largely throughthe UK Film Council, but there are other sources if you are prepared to look hard and to work your filmaround their agendas.Many fundingsources lookto funddigital shorts rather than projects thatwantto shoot on film,based on theargumentthatnew directors should cut their teeth onthe cheaper medium.
- 3. Local Councils Local councils will oftenput money towards a short filmmaking initiative,especially if it deals withsocial exclusion oraids the local communityin some way. You could visit your local council or county website to findout if theirarts departmentwill support a filmproject.
- 4. Charities A number of charitiesfund shortfilms.If you're interestedin getting fundingfroma charity, think laterallyaboutthe typeoffilmyou are tryingtomakeand don’tbeafraidtocontactorganisationsthatare in somewaylinkedtothetopic/goalofyour film.For examplethe WellcomeTrust (UK'slargestmedicalresearch charity) has an Arts Award thatfundsprojects (including short films)inspiredby biomedicalscience.
- 5. British Council Once your film is complete it can be a lengthyand costly process gettingit seen. This is where theBritish Council can help. The British Councilrun a long-establishedand uniquescheme whereby selected filmsare promoted to the list of 50-60 major internationalfilmfestivals. There are also other perks, such as reduced entry fees, as wellas possible travel grants.
- 6. How to apply for funding: Funders lookathundreds offilmapplications everyround,soanyapplicationyoumake shouldbeasdetailed andasstriking aspossible. Thesuccess ofyourapplication willprobablydepend upon whatelements youhaveinplace e.g.thequalityofyourscript,thedirector,the director ofphotographyandactingtalent thatyouhaveattached. Itisimportanttomaximise allthese elements inorderto make your applicationasenticing aspossible. Whattoinclude inapplication: •CVs:Including those ofProducer, Director, Writer, Actors, Director of Photography, Production Designer •Budgets& Schedules(see Filmmaking Guide: Budget & Schedule) •A concise paragraphoutlining your idea: From a creative andtechnical point ofview (e.g. the director’s vision, the distribution plans for the film etc). •Storyboards & MoodBoards: It's really important toillustrate youridea. Applications with storyboardsormood boardsstand out far morethan those without a visual element. Storyboardsaregraphicillustrations ofthe shots &scenes in your film. •Makean impression: It sounds obvious but typed treatments/ideas/applications arefareasier toread and providea much neater overview then a hastily written piece ofscrap paper. Check for spelling errors/typos, label everything, andmake sure yourapplication delivers afirst(positive) impression that will help yourworkstand out fromthe rest. •Showreel: Most funders will want tosee examples ofyourwork, so awell put together showreel is essential. If you haven't made a complete film, your showreel could include: graphicdesign, a photo gallery,ads, viralsetc