Development guidelines

Download the development guidelines in pdf format (151 KB)

Aims & objectives

The Agency aims to identify and nurture Welsh filmmakers – particularly writers, directors, and producers – by supporting and encouraging the development of their work and ambitions.

The Agency offers:

• Project-specific development support, advice and finance;
• Assistance in improving the profile of talent with third party financiers, 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 20 development projects at any one time with a diverse slate covering a variety of genres and budgets. Please see the Agency's development strategy for further information on funding priorities.

Project specific development funding

Eligibility

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.

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. In kind contributions are non-recoupable and may take the form, for example, of reduced fees, facilities and/or resource contributions.

During the course of development we may, where applicable and desirable, make available further development funding for workshops and/or shooting test scenes. This is likely to apply to projects already in receipt of Agency development funding.

Selection criteria

When selecting projects the following criteria is considered:

• The quality, potential and originality of the work;
• The benefit to Welsh filmmakers;
• The viability of the project in terms of budget and potential market;
• The project's ability to qualify as a British film, under the terms of the Films Act 1985 (Amended 1999). (Please refer to the DCMS website for further information).
• 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 will be made by the Chief Executive, Head of Talent & Talent Development Executive.

Funding decisions on funding applications between £25,000 and £50,000 will be made by the above and the Agency Board's Chairman.

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 included.

Successful applications will be sent an offer letter, detailing the specific conditions of funding. In addition, successful projects will be subject to standard Agency funding terms.

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 Agency's 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 Agency's 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:

Britt Harrison
Head of Talent
The Film Agency for Wales
33-35 West Bute Street
Cardiff
CF10 5LH
E-mail: britt@filmagencywales.com

Appendix 1

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 project's 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.