EXCLUSIVE: BFI and Film4 have confirmed the return of their shared high-budget shorts programme Future Takes for a second iteration. The programm
EXCLUSIVE: BFI and Film4 have confirmed the return of their shared high-budget shorts programme Future Takes for a second iteration.
The programme will give six low films awards of between £60,000 to £90,000 each, with applications opening on September 8 and closing on October 20.
Future Takes aims to address a gap in support available to filmmakers who may have started their careers as directors, writers or producers but are missing a piece of work that allows them to gain greater industry recognition and take the next step in their careers.
The fund is looking for projects that demonstrate clear career progression from any earlier work, with ambitious scale and/or production requirements.
Future Takes’ first iteration backed nine projects in 2023, including Jamie Di Spirito’s Edinburgh 2024 premiere Homework starring Aisling Loftus, BFI London Film Festival 2024 premiere In Heat, written and directed by Rory Fleck Byrne and starring Ben Whishaw, and Melbourne 2025 selection Leaving Ikorodu In 1999, written and directed by Rashida Seriki and starring Motunrayo Abiola Olaka.
A number of teams funded through the first round are understood to be in dynamic development on their debut features.
Future Takes is fully funded by the BFI through National Lottery funding and Film4, and delivered with input from BFI Network’s early career programme, including regionally-based executives.
“We’re delighted to reconfirm this partnership with Film4,” said Alice Cabañas, head of BFI Network. “The first round of Future Takes has been hugely positive in building skills, capabilities, confidence and understanding of the industry, amongst its participating filmmakers, with some having already moved into active development on their debut feature. We hope that the next cohort will gain a similar level of success and for the Fund to create a new wave of gifted storytellers.”
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the BFI once more to build on the momentum of Future Takes,” added Film4 interim director Farhana Bhula. “When we first launched the fund, we were impressed by the volume of quality applications and our teams met many inspiring writers, directors and producers from across the UK. As the alumni from the first edition prepare to launch their films at festivals or embark on long-form work, we can’t wait to discover a new generation of filmmaking talent.”
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