Screen WM Investment Fund 2010/11
Screen WM's 2010/11 Investment Fund opens on 4th May 2010. Changes have been made to ensure that the process is more streamlined, with successful applicants now able to progress with their projects within shorter time frames. A further improvement to the fund is that the Expression Of Interest (EOI) process will be far more sector specific allowing a more targeted and focused approach for applicants.
Screen WM is proud to have supported some fantastic projects through the 2009/10 Investment Fund. These included: high profile film festivals such as Flatpack and Deafest ; innovative archive projects like WeVee and Home of Metal; feature film script development and industry networks like the West Midlands' Producers Forum and Animation Forum.
Regrettably, Screen WM is also announcing that the UK Film Council has now confirmed a significant reduction of Lottery funding to each of the nine regional screen agencies. They are also reallocating all skills and training funding previously distributed through the regional screen agencies to Skillset. Skillset will now handle all applications for skills and training funding, to apply visit www.skillset.org . Screen WM will continue to work closely with Skillset to ensure a smooth transition of skills funding in the region.
These announcements mean that there is a total cut of 25% to Screen WM's 2010/11 Lottery funding from the UK Film Council. We have responded to this reduction in our funding by assessing and streamlining our own internal costs where possible. In addition to this, the agency is working in close partnership with the other eight regional screen agencies to develop our national network to collectively lobby for the UK screen industries. Screen WM will also continue to secure new funding and partners moving forward.
However, the impact of these cuts mean that inevitably there is an overall reduction in Lottery funding available in our 2010/11 Investment Fund. This means that Screen WM will be funding fewer projects in total in comparison with previous years and the application process this year will undoubtedly be more competitive. As such, Screen WM has taken the decision to be more targeted in our approach and provide more specific support to projects.
Screen WM will specifically be investing in the following projects in 2010/11
Film and Media Education 'Hubs' : Investment support for up to 4 organisations which have a proven track record in delivering high quality annual programmes of formal and informal education activity which foster public participation, understanding and engagement with all forms of moving image content, especially as tools for learning. Supported organisations will act as sub regional 'hubs' for film and media education activity, serving as models of best practice and supporting Screen WM in creating strong networks and new partnerships for the regions education sector.
Film Festivals: Investment support for organisations which have a strong track record in delivering high quality, well programmed and marketed public screening events which drive the development of new and diverse audiences to engage with a wide range of mainstream film content which would otherwise not be seen within the region.
Film Script Development: For the development of promising feature film scripts from emerging writing talent with a track record in screenwriting or an associated discipline, with or without a producer attached.
Regional Industry Support networks: To support emerging and established film sector-specific support networks and organisations to contribute to Screen WM's strategy for developing a vibrant and sustainable film sector in the West Midlands
The new Investment Fund Deadlines are as follows:
First Round of applications has now closed
May 4th: Investment Fund opened for applications
May 25th (5pm): Deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest via the Screen WM website
June 24th: Applicants informed of outcome of EOI, and successful applicants invited to submit full application
July 6th (5pm): Deadline for submission of Full Applications via the Screen WM website
July 28th: Applicants informed of outcome of full application.
Investment Fund Guidelines: Investment_Fund_Guidelines_2010_2011 (.doc 223 KB)
What are Education Hubs?What_are_Education_Hubs-2010_(2) (.doc 37 KB)
Film Education - 21st Century Literacy: Film_Education-21st_Century_Literacy (.pdf 2 MB)
Who do I contact?
Elizabeth Hill, Finance & Monitoring Officer
You can email me or call me on +44(0) 121 265 7120