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Beacons: Short Film Funding

Under our BFI NETWORK WALES offer, Ffilm Cymru funds world-class live-action, documentary and animated short films in partnership with BBC Cymru Wales.

Beacons provides funding as well as creative and practical support, training and mentoring opportunities to help filmmakers advance their careers. Beacons short films have achieved success at festivals, won numerous awards, been broadcast on BBC Wales and released on iPlayer. 

bfi network wales logo

Who can apply?

We accept applications from:

  • Writer, director (or writer-director) and producer teams
  • Writer and director teams (or lone writer-directors) where no producer is currently attached

Writers, directors and producers should be able to demonstrate a creative track record in their role. This may include student work or grassroots/non-professional work in film, TV, theatre or another narrative art form. We will also consider those who have previous experience in other relevant screen roles (e.g. a director of photography wishing to direct, or a production manager moving into lead producing).

The director on the project must have been born in Wales and/or be based in Wales.

What kind of short film is eligible?

A live action, animation, documentary, or hybrid film of up to 15 minutes in length.

How much can I apply for?

Up to £25,000

What’s the deadline for applications?

Friday 7th July 2023 at 3pm.

Guidelines & Further Info

Please read or listen to the Guidelines below before starting your application. If you’re unsure about anything, try checking out our FAQs and short filmmaker resources.

We are also hosting 1-2-1s with our team if you would benefit from further guidance. Find out more and book your slot here.

How to Apply

Please download and complete an application form below (Live Action, Documentary or Animation) and email to network@ffilmcymruwales.com along with:

  • A script
    • or a treatment (for documentary only)
    • or a storyboard (for animation only)
  • CVs for key members of the creative team
  • A link to at least one previous piece of work from the director

Some of the questions on the application form have options to submit answers in either written format, video or voice note.

Alternatively if you prefer, you can respond to the questions on the application form via a live video or phone call. This should be arranged with our team in advance of the deadline. 

For individuals who are D/deaf, hearing impaired, disabled, neurodivergent or visually impaired, further support and adjustments are available. Please contact us to discuss your requirements in confidence:

Jude Lister, BFI NETWORK Wales Manager
jude@ffilmcymruwales.com

Gwenfair Hawkins, Development Executive (Welsh language)
gwenfair@ffilmcymruwales.com

07754 927191

Audio Guidelines