Filmonomics: for first time feature filmmakers of marginalised genders

Filmonomics is a business-training programme that balances creative, commercial and personal development.

Running for an eighth edition and supported by the ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund with contributions from UK film productions, Filmonomics (film and economics) is Reclaim The Frame’s flagship training programme, now open for applications from first time feature film writers, directors and producers across the UK. Projects can be fiction or documentary, and currently in development, production or post. 

The course runs from December 2023 to March 2024 and involves a mix of industry panels, round tables, group coaching and networking with the aim of bridging the gap between development and distribution. 

Who it's for

Filmonomics is targeted at UK-based marginalised gender feature film directors, writers, and producers, who are either on the cusp of their first feature or have just made/released their debut.

Filmonomics will prioritise global majority and marginalised talent from across the UK - individuals or teams (max two individuals in a team).

Applicants' features may be fiction, non-fiction, hybrid, of any genre or genre defying.

N.B. We will shortly be inviting applications for First-time Feature Filmmakers who indentify as D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse. Please choose whichever course is most appropriate for you, please do not apply for both. 

What it covers

Starting with how to develop your pitch and proposal, the course covers routes to market, environmental sustainability in production, learning from box office trends, demystifying distribution and reaching audiences.

Sessions will involve:

• Chances to meet a range of funders, distributors and festivals among others.
• Group coaching addressing the more personal, interpersonal and systemic barriers to development.
• Industry knowledge, networking and peer-to-peer support.

The total cost for the programme is £400 + vat. This includes workshops, panels, peer networking, tailored coaching, and catering costs for in-person events. 

Cost should not be a barrier to applying. Reclaim The Frame have Discretionary Access Support (DAS) available to contribute towards travel, accommodation (for applicants based outside of London and the South East), and caring responsibilities. Support will be disseminated according to the shared needs of the participants. Each participant will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Successful applicants should also look to their screen agency/film hub for support. 

Session Dates 

Some session content/dates/times may be subject to change. We will give as much notice as possible should this happen.

Tues 12 Dec 2023: Sessions 1 and 2:  (all day – in person)

Wed 13 Dec 2023: Sessions 3, 4 and 5 (all day - in person)

Wed 10 Jan 2024: Sessions:  6, 7 and 8 (all day - in person)

Thurs 11 Jan 2024: Sessions:  9 and 10 (all day - in person)

Mon 12 Feb 2024: Session 11: Catch up (online)

March 5th, 6th, 7th 2024: Sessions 12, 13, 14 and 15 (in person)

As part of the 8th edition of Filmonomics: Reclaim The Frame are pleased to announce a partnership with Glasgow Film Festival in March 2024 for a mix of open and closed sessions. For Filmonomics participants not based in Glasgow, 2 nights stay in a hotel and an Industry pass will be offered, enabling you to enjoy a selection of the films, and networking events on offer. 

Course leaders

The course will be run by Melanie Iredale (Reclaim The Frame director) and Simone Glover (Reclaim The Frame Training Manager).