Call for Applications: FUTURE PROOF Development Lab

Call for Applications: FUTURE PROOF Development Lab

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Application deadline: Thursday 11th December, 12pm GMT

Future Proof supports the development of new, formally innovative non-fiction cinema and immersive works by emerging to mid-career directors and lead creatives. Future Proof is delivered by FACT Liverpool and Doc Society, supported by the BFI Creative Challenge Fund, awarding National Lottery funding.

This development lab is designed to encourage 10 independent directors and lead creatives to develop bold new works and prepare their projects for financing. Future Proof asks the question: how can documentary makers adapt and learn from ever-developing technological futures such as AI, big data, and virtual/augmented environments, which simultaneously challenge notions of truth?

The programme modules consist of technological workshops, group working sessions, editorial consultations and a series of curated encounters with luminary non-fiction directors and artists. Each element of the programme is intended to advance the progress of written creative, technical and concept materials, in readiness to approach potential financiers and production partners. The lab will culminate in participating projects being introduced to non-fiction film and immersive funders at CPH:Forum (part of CPH:DOX, Denmark).

The hybrid structured programme will take place between January 2026 and April 2026, with defined stages to allow for project development between each encounter, comprising two residential labs–one in Liverpool (at FACT) and one in London (at 180 Studios)–plus virtual masterclasses and consultations.

Participants will be emerging to mid-career UK-based directors and lead creatives working across non-fiction film and/or immersive work. Participants will be working towards a project in line with the aims of the lab: investigating and/or working with new technologies, considering the cultural, environmental, and socio-political influences of these technologies and their impact on information ecosystems, trust, and the production of truth.

We are looking for participants with projects at an early development stage, with limited written assets to approach the market. Throughout the programme, they will advance to develop extended written presentations of their projects and will prepare, practice and receive feedback on a concise verbal presentation of their project in advance of their market meetings or pitching forum environments.

Eligibility

You can apply if you meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • You are a UK resident
  • You have completed at least one non-fiction film or ambitious moving-image immersive work that was released at film festivals, theatrically and/or in gallery settings.
  • You must be working towards at least one feature non-fiction or immersive project which works with or on new technologies, and would benefit from development support for narrative and visual progression, as well as technological experimentation and knowledge.
  • Your project must have a producer attached, or alternatively, the lead creative must be a director-producer.
  • Your project is intended for festival and theatrical release (film) or for exhibition at moving-image festivals and platforms (immersive).

We are particularly interested in applications from creators and directors in Wales and the North West of England, and will prioritise applicants from communities and backgrounds underrepresented in the field, particularly those of Black and Global Majority and low income backgrounds.

The Director or Lead Creative is expected to attend the residential week at FACT, Liverpool to advance the creative development of their project. The virtual, London and Copenhagen sessions can be attended by the Director / Lead Creative and/or the Producer, and we will work with successful applicants to ensure the project producer’s involvement in a minimum amount of sessions relevant to production roles.

Participation per project will not exceed 16 days (to be allocated across Director, Creative Lead and/or the Producer. Participants will be compensated £110 per day of attendance plus travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. If you require any access support to take part in the programme, you will be able to note this in the application form and we will meet these as best we can.

Key Dates:

The deadline for applications is Thursday 11th December 2025 at 12:00 (midday) GMT.

Selected projects will be offered a place on Future Proof by Thursday 18th December 2025, and must be able to confirm participation by Monday 22nd December 2025.

Participants must be available to attend in-person residential lab events:

  • Liverpool from 26th - 30th January 2026 (Director / Lead Creative)
  • A minimum of 3 virtual sessions will be scheduled between 2nd and 27th February 2026 (Director / Lead Creative and/or Producer)
  • London from 7th - 8th March 2026 (Director / Lead Creative or Producer)
  • CPH:DOX (Copenhagen) Industry events from 16th - 20th March (Director / Lead Creative or Producer)

You will find additional info and clarifications in our FAQ doc.

Please apply via this form. You are welcome to provide links to video or audio responses if preferred.