Connector: Run your own activity for filmmakers

Next Deadline: 19 March 2025

Our Connector fund combines National Lottery funds delegated via the Arts Council of Wales and the British Film Institute via BFI NETWORK.

We think it’s important that we support people who are already doing great work to develop talent and that we collaborate with people who can bring new insights into the work we do. A lot of filmmaker development activity prioritises the “best and the brightest”; people who are socio-economically positioned to be perceived as talented, whether through geographic location, access to networks, or the ability to work for free or self-finance work. We want to support activity which can see beyond these privileges, and which can reach and nurture incredible Welsh talent on their own terms.

Who can apply?

Organisations with experience in the creative industries and/or experience in creative talent development, ideally with a base in Wales or a partnership with an organisation in Wales;
You are over the age of 18 and not in full-time education;
You are, or will be, the lead or co-lead on the project described.

What can I apply for?

You can apply for up to £10,000 to support events or training activity for Wales born or based aspiring, new or emerging writers, directors and producers of film.
Your activity must be supporting participants on a trajectory toward cinematic feature film or documentary.
Activity must be completed by March 2026 and you can’t apply toward costs that you’ve already incurred.

We will prioritise activity delivered in Wales, particularly areas underserved with this kind of activity, and which benefits filmmakers who identify as the below

d/Deaf, Disabled, neurodiverse, having sight or hearing loss or a physical or mental health condition that they don’t associate with this terminology
part of the global majority (or as Black, Asian, or of Minority Ethnicity),
living in or being from socio-economic disadvantage

We also have a list of the type of activity that we’d like to see Connector projects deliver, which you should read in full in our Guidelines.

How do I apply?

Unless we’ve agreed an alternative way of applying with you (see Access support below) you should:

Read the Guidelines
Download and complete the expression of interest form
Email the completed form and any necessary supporting documents to network@ffilmcymruwales.com by the Deadline

If you are invited to apply, we will send you a longer application form, which you can preview below.

Deadlines

19th March 2025, midday.
Thereafter, rolling.

Access support and inclusion

We believe in a screen sector that works for everyone and we are passionate about broadening access to that sector.

For applicants with access requirements, for example individuals who are d/Deaf, Disabled, neurodiverse, or have sight or hearing loss, support is available to complete an application. Please contact us to let us know how we can help. For example, we can cover the costs of a BSL interpreter for a meeting with us prior to making an application, scribing support for dyslexic applicants, extend the application deadline, or agree alternative formats for applying such as video applications or slide decks. We’ll be guided by you.