Feature Film Development

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

We want to put Welsh film on the map by nurturing independent Welsh films, which are unconventional, ambitious, and well-crafted. We particularly want to champion under-represented voices in film and to push the boundaries of what we know as Welsh film. We welcome co-productions, work in British Sign Language, the Welsh language, and other minority languages, as well as projects, which experiment with form and style.  

Our updated development fund combines our previous Horizons development fund for emerging talent with our development fund for established talent. This will allow us to channel more funds toward emerging talent and to make rounded decisions on what each project and team needs.

Who can apply?

• Lone writers or any combination of writer, producer, director teams with at least one of those lead roles being filled by a Wales born or based talent. The applicant should be the rightsholder for the project. 
• Each member of the core team involved in the project (writer, producer, and director as applicable) will need to be able to demonstrate a creative track record as part of the application. This may be in film, television, theatre or another narrative art form. 

What can I apply for?

• You can apply for support with the costs of developing a single feature length film (including animated films) or documentary, which is geared toward cinema audiences. 
• You can apply for small development awards (of up to £10k) or large awards (of up to £24,999) for a specific stage of development. This stage might be a first draft, further draft work or proof-of-concept or packaging work. 

Ffilm Cymru will prioritise support for films which align with our Funding Priorities, which are:

• Welsh filmmakers at an early stage of their careers.
• Films that are led by under-represented filmmakers in relation to protected characteristics or socio-economic disadvantage.
• Films that speak to audiences traditionally underserved by feature film, including Welsh Language film. 
• Films with strong artistic value, taking risks on talent, content or form, which the commercial sector would find more difficult to support
• Films that depict Wales and Welsh culture in new and unconventional ways.
   

How do I apply?

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

1. Read the Guidelines
2. Download and complete the application form
3. Email the completed form and any necessary supporting documents to applications@ffilmcymruwales.com 

Deadlines

You can submit your application at any time but applications will be reviewed around the following deadlines:

• 14th November 2024, midday
• 1st February 2025, midday
• 3rd June 2025, midday

Development applications for projects already on the development slate can be considered outside of these deadlines. 

What do I need to apply with? 

Along with your application form, you will be required to submit CVs for your core team and:

• For small awards: A story outline of approx. 2,000-3,000 words and a full-length writing sample 
• For large awards: As a minimum, a story treatment of approx. 4,800 – 6,000 words and a full-length writing sample
• For small and large awards, where a director is attached: An active viewing link for full-length sample work from the director.

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, hard-of-hearing, Disabled or neurodiverse, or visually impaired, 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. 

Contact Details 

If you have any questions or access requests, please contact the below in advance of the application deadline:

Ihsana Feldwick, Talent Coordinator ihsana@ffilmcymruwales.com or call 02922 676711 and leave a message stating your name, number, convenient times of day to call, and noting that you are requesting access support.