Seghatchian revamps UK FC Development Fund
The UK Film Council’s recently appointed head of the Development Fund Tanya Seghatchian (see news) has announced sweeping changes to the £4 million a year Fund.
The Fund has been divided into two strands – one for established filmmakers and another for first timers. Established industry personnel will receive more funding and creative freedom while newcomers will be subject to a stricter UKFC supervision process.
The fund will now disburse monies to all types of applicants – writers, writer-directors or producers – on a project-by-project basis. In addition, the development premium has been abolished. Earlier, producers had to repay 150% of the amount on the first day of principal photography.
Under the new First Film Development Programme, screenwriters and writer/directors who have yet to have a feature film broadcast or released theatrically can receive awards up to £25,000. Writers can apply as individuals or with producers and/or directors already attached. These awards will be made quarterly.
Under the new Feature Film Development Programme for films from producers, writers, directors and companies with a demonstrable track record, films have to be creatively driven by the applicant with a view to them being “set-up” and achieving their commercial potential. Here, unlike for newcomers, the UKFC actively encourages the filmmakers to find match funding.
The Fund will also make Signature Awards to filmmakers with a “distinctive voice and style”, such as Lynne Ramsay, Shane Meadows and others of their ilk.
Seghatchian, who took over the position in May, is a well-regarded producer with credits including Harry Potter and the BAFTA-winning My Summer of Love [+see also:
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interview: Tanya Seghatchian
film profile]. She brought her hands-on experience of working in film in the UK to the restructuring process. She said, “I want to try and use my time to help build as dynamic and talent-driven a home for writers, directors and producers here as I can.”
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