Awarding National Lottery funding to support the production and completion of feature length documentary films.
BFI Doc Society Fund – Features
Doc Society is the delegate partner for the distribution of the BFI National Lottery funds for documentaries and non-fiction immersive work via the BFI Doc Society Fund.
Through our dedicated funds, we can fund several stages of a feature project, making a new award at each stage:
Development
- Research and Development Fund (RAD)
- Development Fund
Production Fund, covering
- Production
- Completion
We only fund a project once per stage from research and development through to completion. The total Doc Society contribution to your project cannot exceed £150,000, and any previous BFI Doc Society Fund support for your project does not factor into the decision-making process of a later application.
What We Support - Production Fund
We fund independent non-fiction films by UK filmmakers, focusing on ambitious director-led storytelling intended for theatrical release. We support both emerging and established directors who bring fresh perspectives and creative vision. Our funding is intended to be transformative and representative of all UK society.
We can support the production and completion of features from experienced, as well as debut, producers and directors. Awards will be made in accordance with the scale, ambition and potential reach of each proposal.
The Production Fund supports first and second time directors through the Directions strand, and more established talent through the Momentum strand.
Fund aims and priorities
All projects funded through the BFI Doc Society Production Fund must meet at least three of the following aims, which are also detailed in the stated principles and outcomes of the BFI National Lottery strategy:
- Equity, diversity and inclusion — people from under-represented groups across the UK access the support they need to develop their careers and skills
- Impact and audience — people across the UK access a wider choice of film and the moving image, including stories that reflect their lives
- Talent development and progression — creative talent is supported and nurtured, as they emerge and throughout their careers and more people understand how to express their creativity through stories on screen
- Creative Risk — people are better enabled to innovate and experiment creatively; a wider range of stories on screen are told that otherwise would not be
- UK-wide — everyone across the UK should be able to experience and create the widest range of screen culture. They should feel the benefits from the screen sector in terms of jobs and growth too.
- Environmental sustainability — screen organisations significantly reduce their carbon footprint
Who can apply
Producers can apply for non-recoupable grants of up to £150,000 for non-fiction feature films.
Further details on what this funding can and cannot contribute towards, can be found in the guidelines.
When you can apply
You can apply all year round.
Applications are made in two stages: you must first submit an Expression of Interest. If this confirms your project is eligible and likely to meet the Fund Aims, we will ask you to complete a Full Application.
How to apply
You can apply online once you’ve read the funding guidelines in full.
There is an application link in the guidelines.
Get help with your application
We are committed to making our funding accessible to all. If you have access requirements and need some support applying for funding, see Access support for BFI Doc Society funding applicants.
We recommend getting in touch with our access support provider, TAPE, at least 3 weeks in advance of a fund closing date.
If you have any questions relating to this funding or your application you can email hellobfi@docsociety.org, or join a bi-weekly morning brew with the fund team.
APPLY
This fund is not open
Introduction to our funds in alternative formats
Introduction to the BFI Doc Society Fund for feature films in British Sign Language and audio.
Coming Soon.
About BFI National Lottery funding
Since the very first National Lottery draw in 1994, more than £50 billion for good causes has been raised directly through National Lottery ticket sales, funding more than 700,000 projects. As a recipient of National Lottery funding, it is important to publicly acknowledge the source of this funding ensuring that those engaging with your work recognise the value and benefit of this unique Good Cause funding.
If your application is successful, you will be responsible for prominently crediting BFI National Lottery funding and thanking National Lottery players. To communicate this message, you should ensure that the elements of your project which have the potential to engage a broad public audience are capitalised on. More details will be supplied once an award has been made.
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