iFeatures looking for more British filmmakers
The third incarnation of iFeatures is now open for applications.
The low-budget filmmaking scheme is an initiative to find and develop new talent from the UK's filmmaking teams. It will connect writers, producers and directors with a range of industry professionals and green light three of the 16 chosen projects to be announced early next year.
Each of the chosen three projects will have a budget of £350,000.
Application criteria have changed this time around, the main differences being that stories must now be culturally relevant to the regions, not just geographically; treatments now have to be submitted and documentaries are no longer eligible.
The iFeatures team are keen to see more applications from women and filmmakers from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
The scheme is fully financed by partners Creative England, the BFI and BBC Films, with the BBC pre-buying UK free TV rights. The accompanying professional development programme is supported by Creative Skillset's Film Skills Fund.
The experienced iFeatures team will also work closely with the recently established BFI NET.WORK for new and emerging talent.
iFeatures executive producer Christopher Granier-Deferre said: "iFeatures is without doubt one of the most exciting initiatives out there and as budgets continue to shrink across the industry an increasingly important lifeline to emerging talent. The continued exposure to top tier professionals, married with bespoke training courses and a financially supported development process, isn't just unique, it's a game changer."
Lizzie Francke, BFI Film Fund senior executive, added: "With Christopher at the helm we are really excited to discover new, distinctive and diverse voices from across the country. It is fantastic to be a part of this family of organisations to help develop the next generation of feature filmmakers."
The submissions deadline for iFeatures is 14 March.
Pictured: Christopher Granier-Deferre, Kate O'Hara and Lisa Howe, the iFeatures 3 team.
