The BFI and BBC4 have joined forces to launch a fund, Animation 2018, for 12 short animated films from emerging talent with budgets up to £10k per project.
Films from successful applicants “may” be broadcast on BBC Four following a premiere at BFI Southbank.
This is the second year for the project and forms part of the BFI’s yearlong focus on UK animation that includes screenings and events in venues across the country, a new collection of 300+ archive animations available to view for free online and the release of BFI supported Early Man.
Filmmakers have the freedom to select their style, content and tone, with films limited to 2-10 minutes in duration. The project aims to “back voices and visions that might otherwise go unseen, showcasing fresh, distinctive and contemporary approaches exploring a variety of styles and techniques” and “welcomes a wide range of genres from documentary to fiction, pure fantasy to comedy and hopes to attract talent from all nations and regions of the UK.”
Development and delivery of the shorts will be managed by independent production company Wingspan Productions, who worked on the 2017 iteration of the project.
Cassian Harrison, Channel Editor BBC Four, says “We’re incredibly proud to be supporting new and innovative animation talent on BBC Four with our partners at BFI and Wingspan Productions. BBC Four should be a home for Britain’s best and brightest new creative talent, and I am delighted that through this project we are providing a new generation with an exciting opportunity to build upon Britain’s rich and inventive history in animation.”
Matimba Kabalika, Talent Development Manager, BFI NETWORK, says “We’re really excited to continue this collaboration with BBC Four, which allows us to champion exciting, new, diverse voices. This year we are thrilled to be bolstering this offer specifically for new and emerging storytellers working in animation, across the breadth of the UK. This unique combination of funding and a chance to have work broadcast on national television is a rarity, and I would urge animators everywhere to apply.”
Archie Baron, Creative Director, Wingspan Productions, says “We are thrilled once again to be seeking out and working alongside a new generation of British talent – and especially pleased that this year the BBC and BFI have chosen to focus on animation. It’s a medium where imagination, creativity and originality can yield unforgettable filmmaking. We can’t wait to receive your applications.”
For further details on Animation 2018 and to apply, visit the BFI NETWORK website: https://network.bfi.org.uk/news-and-features/industry-insights/animation-2018
Jon Creamer
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