Film industry

We use Lottery funds to nurture and invest in a diverse mix of first-class filmmakers UK-wide; to discover and develop new talent; and to support the production of a wide range of films that will enrich British film culture and define Britain and its storytellers in the 21st century, for the benefit of audiences at home and abroad.

We support UK distributors to help ensure that the best British and specialised films connect with a wide range of audiences across a range of platforms throughout the UK.

We support sales companies who are premiering new UK films at key international film festivals and markets.

We invest in skills across the film sector and support inward investment and film exports, helping the industry to remain competitive, especially on the global stage.

BFI Film Fund

Lottery funding for development and production

We support emerging and established filmmakers through the Film Fund.

Lottery funding for distribution

We help independent British and specialised films find a wider audience.

Film Export Fund

The Film Export Fund helps drive export opportunities for British films selected by important international festivals.

Funding for first-time directors

The Film Fund now selects features from first-time directors (and which are budgeted under £2,000,000) at quarterly intervals.

Documentary production funding

Supporting theatrical documentary production in the UK.

Vision Awards

We want to give production companies the creative and financial freedom to build their development slate, engage with new and exciting talent, and grow their business.

Funding awards

Lottery funding awards made by the BFI since April 2011.

British certification and tax relief

Information on how to qualify your film, high-end television programme or animation programme as British.

MEDIA Programme funding

The MEDIA Programme is the European Union’s funding programme for the audiovisual industry.

Future funding opportunities

For more information see Film Forever, the BFI’s plan for 2012-2017.

BFI International Fund

In 2013 two strands of funding will be made available for inward investment and for export.

New Talent Network

In 2013 we will launch new initiatives aimed at supporting emerging filmmakers and ambitious producers across the UK.

BFI Audience Fund

Increasing the breadth and depth of film available to audiences.

BFI Film Skills Fund & BFI Business Development Fund

In 2013 we’ll develop a new UK-wide film skills strategy and provide seed funding to enable businesses to develop their ambitions for growth.

“We will increase our investment across production and development, rising annually to £24 million by 2017.”