BFI NETWORK & BAFTA Mentoring

Are you a LGBTQIA+ creative looking for additional career development support as you work towards your debut feature, TV pilot or online commission? The BFI NETWORK & BAFTA Mentoring programme in partnership with BFI Flare, could be for you.

The programme is open to UK based writers, directors and producers who are working towards a debut feature length project, television pilot or online commission.

You will already have experience writing, producing or directing a short, full-length theatre work or broadcasted radio piece but now you are ready for the next step. Run in partnership with BFI NETWORK and BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, the programme enables six creatives to strengthen their networks and explore the reality of creating long-form LGBTQIA+ work in the UK.

We want to hear from you if you have written, produced or directed a short film which has:

• Screened at a BAFTA qualifying festival within the last three years or screened at a number of international LGBTQIA+ film festivals

Or for writers if you have had:

• One piece of full-length theatre work performed professionally in the UK or one broadcasted radio credit

Please note: If your film has not screened at BAFTA-qualifying or international festivals, but has received specific recognition from LGBTQIA+ communities, we encourage you to apply.

Six successful applicants will get access to:

• A day long intensive lab exploring the LGBTQIA+ creative landscape with senior industry, festival filmmakers, programme alumni and programme team during the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival. This will take place at BAFTA
• Access to a networking event celebrating LGBTQIA+ creatives across the crafts during BFI Flare
• One-to-one mentoring from senior industry figures and filmmakers throughout the year. This is to help expand your professional network and provide support with sustaining your career
• Four one-to-one meetings on wellbeing and career coaching
• Complimentary three-year access to BAFTA Connect, our membership tier for emerging and mid-level creatives in film, games and television
• Complimentary industry accreditation for BFI Flare and BFI London Film Festival. This includes access to screenings, networking opportunities and the Festival’s Digital Viewing Library.

This programme is funded by BFI NETWORK, awarding National Lottery funding.