Open Call: BFI Doc Society RISE Producer Programme 2025
Applications for the second iteration of the BFI Doc Society RISE Producer Programme are now open!
Update: Partnership with Northern Ireland Screen announced, please read below.
The RISE programme will offer sustained producer guidance and development for a small cohort of UK based producers over a six month period in 2025, aimed at breaking down socio-economic barriers of access and sustainability for emerging first time feature documentary producers.
We recognise the plurality of pathways towards becoming a documentary film producer, each with unique needs for supportive learning, dialogue, and development in the art, business, and ethics of production. RISE centres personal spaces of knowledge sharing, market navigation and peer exchanges over a prolonged period of time.
The support will consist of tailored group sessions and individual consultations from BFI Doc Society and industry leaders, plus an intensive market introduction at Sheffield DocFest, and will culminate in future planning consultations to better equip emerging independent documentary producers.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open to emerging producers based across the UK. Applicants must be working on their first feature length documentary as lead producer, either independently or within a production company. Producers who are aiming to develop their own slate and independent production company will be prioritised. We do not preference or define ‘emerging’ as being associated with any particular age group of filmmakers.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate how they would benefit from dedicated guidance from industry peers at this time in their career.
We particularly encourage applications from individuals who are based outside of London and are under-represented in the industry, including those who experience socio-economic barriers, identify as LGBTQI+, of a marginalised gender, as having a disability, and global majority communities.
Partnership with Northern Ireland Screen
For this iteration of RISE we’re pleased to be partnering with Northern Ireland Screen who will be funding one place on the programme, guaranteeing inclusion of at least one Northern Irish producer in this year's cohort.
Programme
The programme runs over a maximum six month period, flexible depending on the candidate’s schedule, and aims to offer responsive modes of guidance including 1-2-1 consultations, group discussions, talks and market attendance. The consultations are intended to support producers with knowledge exchange, skills development and strategy to further their pathway in documentary film production.
- A person-centred, professional development programme for non-fiction filmmakers devised collaboratively with participants and partners
- Activities responsive to the collective needs of the group
- A minimum of four talks / sessions per participant
- Group attendance at Sheffield DocFest
- Forward pathway planning session
Availability:
Whilst the programme is intended to tailor a support schedule around the availability of participants (between April and September 2025), there is a requirement to be available for some key group participation dates: Wednesday 23rd April 2025 (90-minute session), and 19th - 22nd June 2025 (Sheffield DocFest attendance).
How to Apply
Please read the eligibility criteria and FAQs here.
Applications are to be entered through this application form.
If you are unable to use Google Forms, please find a downloadable Word version of the application form here.
When to Apply
Applications open: Tuesday 18th February 2025
Applications close: Monday 17th March 2025 (midday GMT)
Access Support
The BFI Doc Society is committed to making its funding accessible to all. TAPE Community Film and Music will be providing individually tailored support for applicants with access needs. Find all the details on what support you can receive and how to get the help required to make an application in this Word document.
