RISE Producer Programme 2027 - Open for Applications

The RISE Producer Programme is back!

BFI Doc Society is inviting applications from UK-based documentary producers who are actively working on their first feature documentary as lead producer to participate in the third edition of the RISE Producer Programme.

Taking place across 2027 this 6-month development initiative offers tailored industry guidance, practical group learning sessions and individual peer exchange advisories. RISE offers space to tackle the creative, business and ethical challenges of producing, while building the confidence and connections to take your work forward.

Now in its third edition, RISE is committed to widening access to the industry and supporting sustainable careers for producers from across the UK.

We will support up to 7 independent UK documentary producers through the RISE Producer Programme 2027.

This year we are proud to partner with Screen Scotland + Scottish Documentary Institute to offer a dedicated place for a Scotland-based producer and Northern Ireland Screen to offer a dedicated place for a Northern Ireland-based producer.

Programme

Running from January to June 2027, RISE combines flexible online sessions with in-person opportunities to learn, connect and meet the wider documentary industry.

The programme includes:

• One-to-one guidance: At least four individually tailored virtual advisory sessions with BFI Doc Society and industry professionals.
• Toolkit Days: Two days of practical learning and peer exchange in London.
• Group sessions: Talks, case studies and discussions shaped around the needs of the group.
• Sheffield DocFest: Festival attendance, accreditation and market guidance for the 2027 edition of Sheffield DocFest.
• Future planning: Dedicated support to help you map out your next steps.

Key dates

• 20 January 2027: Online opening session (90 minutes)
• February - June 2027: Four virtual one-to-one advisory sessions
• 25 - 26 February 2027: Toolkit Days, London
• 9 - 13 June 2027: Sheffield DocFest attendance

Participants must be available for these key dates.

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 as the lead producer.

Producers who are aiming to develop their own slate and establish an independent production company will be prioritised. We do not preference or define ‘emerging’ as being associated with any particular age group.

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.

For the 2027 edition of RISE we are partnering with Screen Scotland + Scottish Documentary Institute to support at least one Scotland-based producer and with Northern Ireland screen to support at least one Northern Ireland-based producer.

What costs are covered for participants?:

For attendance at Toolkit Days in London, from 25 - 26 February, BFI Doc Society will cover each participant’s travel (from UK locations only), hotel for up to two nights with breakfast, and per diems to cover 2 meals.

For attendance at Sheffield DocFest, from 9 - 13 June, BFI Doc Society will cover each participant’s travel (from UK locations only), hotel for up to four nights with breakfast, industry accreditation and per diems to cover 2 meals.

We will cover access support across the programme where needed and requested in advance.

We are not able to cover other costs, or additional costs resulting from delay in participants providing registration and travel details.

To apply

Please apply using this link: https://forms.gle/mHm9LAqaKCTaaoWr9

Deadline to apply is Monday 23 November 2026, 5pm GMT

If you have any questions please contact: hellobfi@docsociety.org