14/01/2013 - Apex film body commits £2.5 million to support up to 15 film companies

The British Film Institute (BFI) has launched the Vision Awards 2013-15 to provide support for the production sector. The BFI has pledged up to £2.5 million between 2013 and 2015. The BFI will make up to 10 awards of up to £100,000 per year for two years and up to five further awards of up to £50,000 per year for two years. All funding committed through Vision Awards is for investment in development activity. 

Ben Roberts (photo), Director of the BFI Film Fund, said, “Development is the lifeblood of the UK film industry, but its risky and private money to support development is scarce. That’s why the BFI’s role as the UK’s biggest investor in film development is so vital. The Vision Awards will be crucial in ensuring ambitious and talented UK producers have the freedom and resources they need to grow their businesses and develop high quality, creatively-driven projects to help sow the seeds of future success for UK film.”

To be eligible for a Vision Award, film companies must be experienced producers with a strong vision for the future growth of their company. Applicants to the Vision Awards must have at least one production credit on a fiction, documentary or animation feature film that has been distributed theatrically in the UK and screened internationally in the last five years. Animation studios should have produced at least two animated short films that have received a recognised industry award or had a UK television transmission.

Applications for the Vision Awards 2013-15 are now open.