BIFA Springboard 2025

BIFA’s yearly programme designed to support film writers, directors and producers to continue and develop their careers is once again open for applications.

The 25/26 programme is primarily supported by Prime Video, as part of its Prime Video Pathway (PVP) initiative, with additional support from ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund with contributions from UK film productions. Further industry support comes from Film Finances International. 

Springboard was designed in response to a direct need to support filmmakers beyond early success after it was found over 70% of filmmakers entering BIFA in 2018/19/20 had not completed a second feature two years later, including longlisted and nominated filmmakers. Those who won our debut awards were more likely to have made a second feature.

Taking place over nine months (June 2025 to February 2026), BIFA Springboard offers a combination of practical training sessions from experienced industry bodies and filmmakers, a support network of similarly experienced writers, directors and producers, and networking initiatives aiming to make connections to develop your career. BIFA also matches each cohort member with a mentor specifically matched to their needs.

Who it's for

To continue to offer the programme more widely this year, this generation of Springboard will be supporting up to 30 filmmakers (a range of directors, writers and producers) with a second feature film in development in the fiction space.

This is not an entry level initiative so applicants need to have made one feature film (either documentary or fiction) that has played at BIFA-recognised film festivals, online channels or been released in the UK.

Please read the FAQs to answer any further questions on your eligibility to apply.

What it covers

The programme will offer a mixture of facilitated workshops, training and panels, as well as mentoring over a ten month period with a mentor specifically matched to your needs.

There will also be networking sessions with your fellow cohort, financiers and funders, HODs and programme speakers and partners.

Sessions will cover the following topics:

• Financing, budgeting and scheduling
• Healthy and sustainable productions
• Funding - traditional, non-traditional, co-production and international financing
• Understanding and reaching your audience
• Casting
• Dignity at work, recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce
• Building a slate, sustaining a career and leveraging your debut
• Legal: managing contracts, employees and freelancers
• Editing and re-writing
• AI: Tools for writing and producing
• Virtual Production
• Building confidence and honing your creative voice, including through pitch practice
• Business planning for creatives

Sessions in previous years have come from Garden Studios, Wellington Films, Shudder, Raising Films, Wiggin, Creativity Media, Film & TV Charity, Reel Abilities, Mubi, DDA, NRG and more, and covered topics including financing, sales, distribution, legals, company development and career progression and run alongside networking and skill sharing events. 

How to apply

You can read the FAQs to answer any further questions on your eligibility to apply.

Please click 'apply now' to submit your application. You will need to be logged into your ScreenSkills account in order to complete an application.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome on or before w/c 19th May.

If you have any questions or access requirements in order to fill out this form, or would like the application form in another format please contact springboard@bifa.film.

BIFA are able to cover access costs required for participants to get the most from the programme including digital access costs and childcare if required. 

"BIFA Springboard has been an incredible opportunity to learn a wealth of knowledge and build relationships with an inspirational group of peers. With the staggering figures around the number of producers who go on to make second features, this programme has 100% boosted my confidence that with BIFA’s support and my wonderful cohort by my side anything is possible." - Victoria Bavister (2024-25, Producer County Lines)

"Being part of the BIFA Springboard programme has been a transformative experience. It's not only elevated my career but also reignited my passion and determination to keep pushing forward. I’ve gained invaluable insights and connections that are already shaping my future" - Blaise Singh (2024-25, Producer Pride and Protest)

All partners of BIFA Springboard believe that diversity in the film industry is paramount to its future success, and through our programmes we should be supporting and developing talent who reflect the full diversity of the UK today. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups because we are committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Under-represented groups in the film industry include people from minority ethnic backgrounds, deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent people, women, non-binary people, LGBTQ+ people and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds plus those based outside London and the South-East.

Contact information

Email: springboard@bifa.film