Future Takes 2023 is now closed for applications
BFI and Film4 have joined forces to offer Future Takes, driven by our shared commitment to support audacious emerging talent to build sustainable and remarkable careers. We aim to support the creation of innovative, ambitious short-form work that will serve as a realistic stepping stone towards a first feature or long-form commission.
We recognise that, as it becomes harder to get debut features financed and out to audiences, there is a considerable gap in the support available to filmmakers who may have started their careers but are missing the piece of work that will allow them to move onto bigger, bolder work. That is where Future Takes comes in.
Access support
We can provide assistance to applicants who have access requirements and need some support in order to make an application. For reference, see Access support for BFI funding applicants.
When you can apply
Future Takes 2023 is now closed for applications.
What does the fund support?
This funding will support teams to make films that can gain major recognition and open up new opportunities for the filmmakers involved.
It is seeking more ambitious projects than those we generally see submitted to our BFI NETWORK funds: films that command a higher budget and will not be realisable without this support. This could mean ideas, settings or filming techniques that are truly boundary pushing either in form or content – the work you’ve always wanted to make, and that audiences want to see, if only the budget were there for it.
We can support scripted live action work or hybrid documentary involving scripted or dramatised elements. Films can be a maximum length of 25 minutes.
How many films will be made?
We are looking to support around 7 short films, with funding of up to £90,000 per film. The BFI will contribute National Lottery funding as a grant to each selected project, and Film4’s funding will in part purchase a license of certain distribution and broadcast rights.
If you’ve already applied
Future Takes 2023 is now closed for applications. You can still read the funding guidelines for reference.
If you have any questions relating to the funding or application, please email future.takes@bfi.org.uk.
About the National Lottery
Since the very first National Lottery draw in 1994, public support – raised directly through National Lottery ticket sales – has funded more than 670,000 projects, raising more than £46 billion for good causes.
As a recipient, it is important to publicly acknowledge the source of this funding throughout the lifespan of the project. Effectively communicating that it is supported by BFI National Lottery funding ensures that those engaging with the work recognise the value and benefit of this unique Good Cause funding.
Therefore, if your application is successful, you will be responsible for prominently crediting BFI National Lottery funding and thanking National Lottery players.
As such, you are encouraged to ensure that elements of your project which have the potential to engage a broad public audience are capitalised on, in order to communicate this message. More details will be supplied once an award has been made.