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Supply Chains

Scotland: Creative Scotland and Screen Scotland

Creative Scotland is the primary public body supporting the arts, screen, and creative industries in Scotland. It distributes funding from the Scottish Government and the National Lottery to a wide range of projects, including film. Under the umbrella of Creative Scotland, Screen Scotland is the dedicated body for the screen sector, with a mission to foster a successful and sustainable film industry.

A key offering is Scotland’s Production Growth Fund, which provides non-recoupable grants to attract large-scale film and TV productions to the country. This fund is crucial for drawing in major international projects, creating jobs, and boosting the local economy. For emerging filmmakers, Screen Scotland, in partnership with the BFI, provides development and production funding for screen projects by filmmakers based in Scotland. The Short Circuit program, Scotland’s hub for filmmaking talent, is another significant initiative, offering support for new and emerging writers, directors, and producers through funding, training, and professional development. They are particularly focused on short films as a stepping stone to feature-length projects.

Wales: Ffilm Cymru Wales

Ffilm Cymru Wales is the sole agency for film in Wales, working to develop a thriving film sector and maximize its economic, educational, and cultural benefits. The organization is committed to supporting Welsh or Wales-based writers, directors, and producers.

One of their most important initiatives is Beacons, a short film funding scheme that offers not only financial support but also creative and practical guidance, training, and mentoring to help filmmakers make a cinematic “calling card.” 

For feature films, film Cymru Wales offers development and production funding to get projects from script to screen. The organization also runs Sinema Cymru, a collaboration with S4C and the Welsh Government, specifically designed to support Welsh-language feature films with international big-screen potential. This highlights Ffilm Cymru Wales’s dual commitment to both commercial success and the preservation and promotion of the Welsh language and culture.

Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Screen

Northern Ireland Screen is the national screen agency, with a remit to promote the development of the film, television, and digital content sectors. The organization offers a comprehensive suite of funding programs that cover all stages of the filmmaking process.

For those just starting, Northern Ireland Screen runs several short film schemes throughout the year, aimed at developing resident creative talent. 

For feature films, they provide development funding for a diverse range of projects with fresh and innovative ideas. This funding is designed to help projects connect with both local and international audiences. The agency also operates a production fund for films that will be made in the region. This support is vital for attracting both homegrown and international productions, such as the widely acclaimed series Game of Thrones, which was famously filmed in Northern Ireland. The success of such projects has been instrumental in raising the global profile of the region as a filming location and a center for creative excellence.

These regional funds are more than just a source of finance; they are cultural institutions that are instrumental in building a sustainable and diverse film industry. They provide a crucial counter-balance to London-centric funding, ensuring that stories from across the UK are told and that talent from all nations is given the opportunity to flourish.