Development guidelines
Download the development guidelines in pdf format 377 KB
Aims & Objectives
The Agency aims to identify and nurture Welsh filmmakers – particularly producers, writers and directors - by supporting and encouraging the development of their work and ambitions. We are also keen to encourage films with Welsh cultural content, reflecting Wales and Welsh life, as part of our portfolio.
The Agency offers:
- Project-specific development support, advice and finance;
- Assistance in improving the profile of talent with third party financiers, co-producers, distributors, commissioners and other industry contacts;
- Advice and information regarding industry training opportunities, facilitating access to them where possible;
- To identify specific training needs, working with organisations to address those needs and, where necessary, devising and implementing bespoke training opportunities.
The Agency supports approximately 30 development projects at any one time with a diverse slate covering a variety of genres and budgets. Please see the AgencyÕs development strategy for further information on funding priorities.
Examples of previously supported projects can be found in our Annual Reviews: www.filmagencywales.com/research.php
Project Specific Development Funding
Eligibility
We operate a continuous Ôopen doorÕ submissions policy accepting applications at any time. However, funding for early stage development applications (that is, pre-first draft) will be subject to the writers or writer-directors having a proven track- record, evidenced by submitting supporting material, such as sample screenplays they have already written or examples of work that have been produced or successfully exploited in another medium (e.g./ TV drama). For less experienced writers, the Agency will require a first draft of the proposed project at least before assessing for funding.
Applications for funding will be accepted at any time and at any stage of development. Applications may be made by individuals (for script development costs) or by a producer or production company. Producers or production companies will be able to request funding for a range of development activity, including script re-writes, scheduling, budgeting, casting, location recces and costs associated with raising finance/sales and distribution interest, for example.
The Agency encourages the involvement of third party finance as part of development proposals, particularly where it indicates market demand. However, the Agency will also consider 100% financing the cash costs of development on the basis of in kind contributions being made by the applicant and /or its associates by way of partnership funding, which may take the form, for example, of reduced fees, facilities and/or resource contributions. Thereby the Film Agency will contribute up to 75% of the total development costs of a project.
During the course of development we may, where applicable and desirable, make available further funding for workshops, shooting test scenes. We will additionally consider covering the costs of filming selected scenes from the feature being developed by way of a pilot, or offering finance towards the costs of a short film (such costs capped at £10k) that would function as a marketing tool for the producer, demonstrating a particular approach and/or evidencing otherwise unproven elements such as emerging actor and crew propositions, thereby strengthening the overall project pitch. Such material would also provide a Ôcalling cardÕ for the director. This pilot and short film funding would be specifically allied to the development of features already in receipt of Agency support and / or new projects accepted into the AgencyÕs slate.
Selection Criteria
When selecting projects the following criteria is considered:
- The quality, potential and originality of the work;
- The benefit to Welsh filmmakers;
- Welsh cultural content (across our portfolio);
- The viability of the project in terms of budget, financing and potential market;
- The projectÕs ability to qualify as a British film. Please refer to the UKFC website for further information: www.ukfilmcouncil.org/qualifying
- The range and number of projects already being supported by the Agency.
In addition to the above, the National Lottery Act 1993 [Amended 1998] establishes directions for assessing applications that the Agency is required to apply. Please see Appendix 1.
Application Procedure
Applicants are asked to complete and submit an application form. This may be downloaded from the website and submitted as a hard copy, or you can contact the Agency if you would prefer a hard copy to be sent to you.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the Agency aims to provide an initial response within 4 weeks of receipt.
Funding Decisions
Funding decisions for up to £25,000 are made by three members of the Film Agency Team comprising the Chief Executive, Head of Production, Production Executive and Development Executive.
Funding decisions on funding applications between £25,000 and £50,000 will be made by three of the above and the Agency BoardÕs Chairman / Chief Executive .
Funding decisions above £50,000 will be subject to Board approval.
All decisions will be confirmed in writing.
When a project is unsuccessful a brief explanation will be provided.
Successful applications will be sent an offer letter, detailing the specific conditions of funding, prior to the issuance of a funding agreement.
Awards and Conditions
An offer of funding remains open for a set period of time, which will be detailed in the offer letter. If drawdown of funds does not commence within this period, the funding offer may be revoked. Projects awarded funding are subject to a development contract that includes an agreed payment schedule and specific development targets.
The AgencyÕs investment is recouped when the project proceeds to production and becomes repayable on the first day of principal photography. A premium of 50% is usually charged on development funds.
The Agency will need to approve all funding arrangements and significant changes to the project. It may withdraw or reduce funding in the light of such changes.
General Information
The Agency is committed to the principle of equal opportunities. Please see the AgencyÕs policy documents for further information.
Contact Details
If you have any queries, or if you would like to discuss any aspect of your project prior to application, please contact:
Tracy Spottiswoode
Development Executive
The Film Agency for Wales
33-35 West Bute Street
Cardiff
CF10 5LH
Tel: +44 (0)29 2046 7692
Fax: +44 (0)29 2046 7491
E-mail: tracy@filmagencywales.com
Appendix
National Lottery Act 1993 (Amended 1998) outlines key criteria to be taken into account when considering applications for funding. The Agency interprets these as follows:
Artistic Quality The Agency seeks to support original and dramatic filmmaking.
Public Benefit This may be achieved by diversifying the range of cinematic material provided; profiling new talent or increasing the representation of previously under-represented communities for example.
New Developments Lottery funds are not permitted to be substitutional. That is, they should not replace alternative sources of funding available to a given project. Instead, they may be used to lever additional investment in projects. Our funding can be used in partnership with other Lottery funders, subject to an overall cap of 50% from Lottery sources.
Financial Viability We will take into consideration the financial viability of the project and the compatibility of the various financial components with Lottery funding terms. Applications will need to be appropriately budgeted for the projectÕs target audience and eventual market.
Partnership Funding Applicants will need to show evidence of third party development finance or appropriate levels of in kind support.
Clear Demand The Agency seeks to support film projects that demonstrate a likelihood of gaining distribution.
Effective Management The Agency is accountable for the expenditure of public funds and must therefore satisfy itself that the applicant is likely to deliver on budget and schedule and use the funds for the purpose intended.
