Investment Fund FAQs
Q: Does the monitoring information you are asking for in the application form have any bearing on the decision made?
A: The monitoring information does not influence the decision to fund your project. This information is collected for statistical purposes only and is reported to the UK Film Council. Screen WM will not accept applications where the monitoring information is not completed.
Q: How long will it be before I get a decision on funding?
A: The application process on average takes 10 weeks. This is broken down as 4 weeks for a decision on your EOI application, 2 weeks for you to prepare your full application (you can have longer than 2 weeks if you need it) and 4 weeks for a decision on your full application. Please bear these timescales in mind when planning your project as we are unable to fund projects that have already started.
Q: My project needs to start in less than 10 weeks - is there any way of getting a decision before then?
A: We are unable to fast-track applications. 10 weeks is a maximum estimate, though, so this can be shortened if you are able to complete your full application in less than 2 weeks.
Q: I have already started an online application form, how do I go back to it?
A: When you set up your online application you would have been sent an email with the log in, always access your account from this log in.
Q: What do you mean by cash match funding?
A: Cash match funding is a contribution to the costs of your project from (for example) earned income (e.g. ticket sales), partnership finance (e.g. funds from a delivery partner), sponsorship in cash, donations in cash, or your own funds. Cash match funding should be able to be evidenced at the end of the project through invoices, receipts, bank statements etc showing that you received the funding.
Q: What counts as in-kind funding?
A: In-kind funding is a non-cash contribution to the project. This could be (for example) contributions in staff time from your organisation, accommodating the cost of your project in your building, and free of charge venue hire. In-kind funding cannot cover capital costs such as computer or equipment hire.
Q: How do I write a budget?
A: We have some examples of budgets on our website. They can be found in the 'downloads' section. However, if you are still unsure please contact us
Q: I'm not based in the West Midlands - can I still apply?
A: No. We only accept applications from organisations or individuals who are based in the West Midlands Region (Birmingham & The Black Country, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire).
Q: I'm based in the West Midlands, but my project isn't - can I still apply?
A: In most cases, no. Screen WM will only invest in projects that benefit the West Midlands Region (Birmingham & The Black Country, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire). If your project doesn't take place in the West Midlands, we are unlikely to fund it. There are some exceptions, however, e.g. where the application is to attend a festival outside the region.
Q: I want to develop my script but it's for a TV series - can I still apply?
A: The Investment Fund is currently only funded through the UK Film Council. Therefore we are unable to fund TV projects.
Q: How is my application assessed?
A: Your EOI is assessed by a member of staff at Screen WM with expertise in your project area e.g. Festivals. Your full application is assessed in Screen WM by your Lead Investment Manager, and/or externally by an independent industry expert. Applications are assessed against a set criteria. The assessment criteria can be downloaded from our 'downloads' section here.