Industry opportunities and events
We’ve compiled a list of current opportunities, schemes you can apply for, events to attend, and networking opportunities from across the industry.
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May
The Climate Spring Pitch at Sheffield DocFest returns with a new focus on digital-first formats. The pitch is calling for high-impact short-form documentary formats specifically designed for digital platforms. Those shortlisted will pitch their idea live at Sheffield DocFest, with one winner receiving £10k production funding.
Deadline: 11th May
Four BFI NETWORK Hubs have teamed up with ScreenSkills’ Animation Fund to launch a new lab for early‑career writers looking to develop their storytelling skills in animation.
The lab supports up to 12 writers through expert speakers, masterclasses and one‑to‑one script development, and runs from 29 June - 30 September. Mostly online, with one in‑person day at Aardman in Bristol (travel covered). Applicants must apply with a short film idea.
Deadline: Monday 11 May
The UK’s premier free event for the media, production and broadcast industries takes place this year on 13th and 14th May. Sign up now!
Dates: 13-14th May
BFI NETWORK South West’s Director Lab, in collaboration with Bournemouth Film School, is back this summer!
They’re looking for directors in the south west with experience of directing live-action fiction who want to expand their scripted showreel and skills.
Deadline: 22nd May
June
Applications are now open for the FLAMIN Fellowship, a major development programme for early-career artist filmmakers living in England. The Fellowship offers six artists a £2,500 development bursary as well as a bespoke series of workshops geared towards helping early-career artist filmmakers develop their artistic practice and successfully navigate areas such as sales, copyright, funding applications, festival strategies and sound design.
Deadline: Monday 1st June
Working in Unscripted TV? Want to know how to work more effectively with VFX, when/how to incorporate it, liaise with vendors and how to budget for it?
This two-day, online course from Production Guild and ScreenSkills, led by VFX Consultant and Production Executive Sophie Jackson, offers a comprehensive introduction to the often-misunderstood areas of VFX.
Dates: 6-7 June
Applications for the Birmingham-based Studio Production Training are now open. Calling all creatives aged 18-35 with a passion for creating content and an ambition to pursue a career in media.
Kickstart your career in TV and media with hands-on training in a real studio production environment.
Deadline: 8th June
Northern Ireland Screen’s Short Film Call 2026 is now open for applications. The funding opportunity supports the production of innovative short films across various formats, including live action, factual, and virtual reality.
Deadline: 26th June
The RTS runs two schemes: the TV production and journalism bursary and the digital innovation bursary – awarded to students from low income backgrounds studying any and all subjects as undergraduates or at HND Level 5 or 6.
All you have to do is demonstrate your passion for pursuing a career in TV, film, digital content production or related media industries in your application.
Deadline: Wednesday 24th June
July
Channel 4 has announced a new proof-of-concept development fund designed to back big, original British unscripted formats.
An opportunity to pitch your biggest and most brilliant ideas, the fund will greenlight three to five concepts, offering £100,000 each to provide substantial development support to indies.
Deadline: End of July
A free online webinar series hosted by BFI NETWORK South East, including sessions with filmmakers and industry professionals, designed to help emerging directors build confidence on set, sharpen their communication with actors, and deepen their understanding of the creative and technical decisions that shape a film.
Date: Sessions taking place throughout May and June.
Ongoing opportunities and events
The world’s pre-eminent creative community is hosting more FREE and open-to-all mixer networking events - from London to Cardiff and Brighton.
Dates: Brighton (24 April), Cardiff (26 April), London (11 June)
Screen Alliance North, the BFI Skills cluster made up of Liverpool Film Office, North East Screen, Screen Manchester and Screen Yorkshire have launched a new Training Opportunities webpage on their current website. If you're based in the North of England you may find skills training that is relevant for you.
With online sessions taking place in the new year, this course from Screenskills is designed as an introduction to BSL to hep equip television freelancers with BSL skills. The course is mainly aimed at HoDs, line producers, production managers, producers, coordinators, and assistant directors.
Post Super are your ultimate destination for all things post-production management. Driven by a mission to empower its members to become the people everyone in the industry wants to work with, their free to access content includes a knowledge base, regular newsletter and networking events.
New live CREW websites for London, Glasgow, Belfast, and Cardiff. Join the other existing hubs in Birmingham, Manchester, and Bristol connecting screen industry professionals. Choose your location, join your community, to access news, jobs and events in your region. More locations coming soon!
