BFI Doc Society Rise Producer Programme
OPEN CALL
The BFI Doc Society Rise Producer Programme (RISE) will offer sustained producer guidance, and advisories for 4 UK based producers over a six month period, 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 creative advisories from BFI Doc Society and industry leaders, plus an intensive market introduction at Sheffield Doc/Fest, and will culminate in business planning meetings 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 towards their first feature length documentary as lead producer, either working 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 filmmaker.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate how they would benefit from dedicated guidance from industry peers at this time in their career.
We encourage applications from individuals who 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.
Programme
The programme is formed of four core modules over a six month period and aims to offer flexible modes of guidance including case studies, advisories, group discussions, talks and market attendance. The advisory sessions 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 community partners
- Activities responsive to the collective needs of the group
- Four personally curated advisory sessions per participant
- Group attendance at Sheffield Doc/Fest
- Forward pathway planning session
Availability:
Whilst the programme is intended to tailor a support schedule around the availability of participants (between April and September 2024), there is a requirement to be available for some key group participation dates:
- Thursday 11th April 2024 (90 minute session)
- 13th - 16th June 2024 (Sheffield Doc/Fest Market attendance).
How to Apply
Please read the full eligibility criteria on this page, and click here for our FAQs.
Applications are to be entered through this application form.
When to Apply
Applications open: Monday 26th February 2024
Applications close: Monday 11th March 2024 (11.59pm GMT)
Access Support
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.
If you have any questions about applying, please contact sanne@docsociety.org
* Are you a mid-level producer? You might be interested in our upcoming Producing Truths training programme. More info here.
