The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the BFI have announced the launch of the UK Global Screen Fund, a one year pilot fund designed to boost international development and distribution opportunities for the UK's independent screen sector.

The new £7 million fund opens for applications from 28th April and will target support across the screen sector including film, TV, animation, documentary and interactive narrative games (Interactive) content.

Financed by DCMS and administered by the BFI, it will focus on accelerating export growth, boosting revenues to independent UK screen companies and deepening international relationships.

Aimed at boosting the international competitiveness of UK screen content whilst growing the revenue and sustainability of domestic independent businesses, the fund is designed to help develop and produce projects with international appeal, expand the worldwide distribution of UK content and encourage collaboration with international partners.

The pilot year will allocate funding to three open access strands: 

– International Distribution: support for sales and distribution of one or more UK feature films (drama, documentary, animation) in international territories. Funding strand opens 28th April.

– Business Development: financial support for business strategies that drive international growth and IP development for companies working in film, TV (animation, drama and documentary) and interactive narrative gaming. Funding strand opens May 2021.

– Co-production: support for UK companies to be partners in international productions, sharing IP and revenue on film and TV animation and documentary projects with audience potential. Funding strand opens June 2021.

Find our more about the Fund and how to apply via the BFI website here.