Funding for films and film making in Dorset

sarah — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:26:55 +0000

Film Funding in Dorset

Funding for films and film makers in Dorset

There is plenty of funding for films and film making in Dorset, boosted by local support organisations.

BCP Film Office launch

The BCP Film Office has been launched. It offers access and licensing and logistic support to many prime film and TV locations across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole region of Dorset, on the south coast of England.

Why a Film Office?

We know Dorset provides a perfect backdrop and prime locations for filming here. Films such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Dunkirk and Wonka highlight Dorset’s beauty. And TV series such as Gulliver’s Travels and Broadchurch have proven Dorset’s star quality.

Additionally, Dorset is also home to a growing pool of local talent, experienced crew members, editing and production companies.

“Pocket Pinewood”

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) Film School is the largest outside London

Bournemouth University’s Faculty of Media and Communication is home to the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA). The NCCA is the backbone of the UK’s Visual Effects (VFX) industry.

More than forty graduates from Bournemouth University have contributed to films nominated for this year’s Oscars. They join several previous winners for films like Dune (2022), Gravity (2021), Inception (2015) and Interstellar (2012).

We are also proud to have independent animation and video production companies like LoveLove Films, Treehouse Digital and White Lantern Film in Dorset. Further visual effects companies like Outpost and games developers like Amuzo are based here. The industry is supported by local editing, green screen, drone and other film support businesses.

Where to find funding for films in Dorset

Funding for films, film makers and film companies come and go. Therefore, it is worth signing up to the following newsletters which consistently publish funding opportunities:

Creative Economy Digest – A regular newsletter with the latest news on funding calls, research, reports, jobs and events.
Doc Society – a helpful newsletter for those interested in their two Priorities: The Climate Emergency and the Crisis in Democracy.
BCP Film Office – a newsletter for local film news, events and funding.

Local Networks

Silicon South is the local network for the Digital, Creative and Tech Sectors in Dorset. It runs several support, mentoring and career development programmes. A Silicon South Talent Exchange is for students looking for placements, apprenticeships or work experience. Sign up for a regular newsletter with event and funding information. Silicon South also offers free membership for freelancers and local businesses. Additionally, it highlights digital jobs available real-time. Lastly, you can join a Suppliers directory for free.

Regular funders of films and film production

The following organisations have a wealth of funding opportunities for film production and film company development:

The British Film Institute (BFI) is a cultural charity, National Lottery funding distributor, and the UK’s lead organisation for film and the moving image. It offers funding for film and TV development and production. Furthermore it offers funding for film festivals and taking your film to the international market.
The BFI Doc Society supports and nurtures independent non-fiction film and immersive projects by UK filmmakers. The organisation prioritises expansive, director-led storytelling. Supported by the National Lottery they offer funding for short film funds, R&D and features. Book a 1-2-1 with one of their experts to discuss projects and funding.
The Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity. They are funded by the government and the National Lottery. The Arts Council offer funding for individuals and organisations, from opportunities to Develop your own Creative Practice (DYCP), to project grants of £1,000-£100,000.
Creative UK are also funded by the National Lottery and exist to champion, connect, support and invest in creative people and businesses. Unfortunately they do not have a Regional Growth Programme for Dorset yet, but they do offer Creative Enterprise Business Builder funding. These are grants up to £2,500 to subsidise the cost of working with an expert. These funds can cover business planning, IP, monetisation etc. They also offer Foundations programmes to help early stage companies and Female Funder programmes.
Screenskills Bursaries – cash grants (£1,000-£3,000) to remove the obstacles to getting into the screen industries or progressing your career once you’re in.
British Council – offer British Council Film Lab Travel Grant (usually around £3,000), Co-Production Forum grants (usually £2,000) and Short /Feature Film / XR Travel Grant (usually £100-£1,500).

Other support sources for Dorset based film makers and film production companies

BBC The Small Indie Fund – backing talented small independent production companies. The Fund has a special focus on diverse-led companies (currently closed).
Shore Scripts Short Film Fund – a global opportunity for emerging screenwriters and filmmakers to have their short films financed and produced. Latest deadline 2 May 2025.
Filming in England Supplier Directory you can sign up to.
Albert – the home of environmental sustainability for the screen industries, with Toolkits and a sustainable Supplier Directory.
Further general Dorset business support organisations.

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