Film London recognizes the importance of supporting emerging talent, as well as actively encouraging film-making and film activity in local communities.

In 2006 Film London strengthened its support of London-based film-making talent by launching the London Borough Film Fund Challenge (LBFFC), through which 'clusters' of London boroughs offer residents up to £4,000 towards the production of a short film.

In collaboration with the Mayor of London, and working in partnership with the capital's local authorities, LBFFC aims to discover grassroots talent, stimulate local film-making and develop new skills. The participating boroughs run and fund the schemes; with Film London providing financial support, dedicated advice and resources.

This year, 22 boroughs are taking part - with 'Film London in 90 Seconds' taking place again this autumn after a successful pilot.

A key part of the scheme, showcasing the shorts made through the London Borough Film Fund Challenge, is the Best of Borough Film Awards (aka the BoBs). Last year 16 films produced through LBFFC were shortlisted for the BoBs awards at BAFTA in July 2010. Find out more about the participants and winners from the full press release.


London Borough Film Fund Challenge

The following schemes are running in 2010-11:

Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark
Southern Exposure Film Fund
Deadline for applications: Noon, Friday 1 October 2010
Now in its fourth year, the Southern Exposure Film Fund encourages film-makers from Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark to develop their potential. Production grants of up to £4,000 per project are offered alongside weekly masterclasses during development and prep, in areas such as story editing, casting and marketing/distribution. Projects can be of any length and genre - Southern Exposure is committed to supporting original and exciting voices, whatever the story. Cross borough working and the use of local crew and facilities is encouraged. For further information contact Elizabeth Mitchell on 020 8314 7733 or email elizabeth.mitchell@lewisham.gov.uk.

Southern Exposure Film Fund guidelines

Southern Exposure Film Fund online application form

Edit an existing Southern Exposure Film Fund application

Enfield and Haringey
North London 24 hr Film Fund Challenge
Deadline for applications: 5pm, Friday 15 October 2010
This new short film initiative is ran by the North London Filming Partnership, challenging film-makers to shoot a film within 24 hours. Film-makers living or working within the two boroughs can apply for grants of up to £2,000 to make their short film. For further information contact Brek Taylor on 07500 687 474 or email info@nlfp.org.uk. 

North London 24 hr Film Fund Challenge guidelines

North London 24 hr Film Fund Challenge online application form

Edit an existing North London 24 hr Film Fund Challenge application

Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest
Eastern Edge Film Fund
Deadline for applications: Friday 22 October 2010
The fund aims to support emerging and experienced film-makers, living, working or studying in one of the three boroughs to produce an original short film. . Three to four grants with a maximum award of £2,000 - and a Student/Young Film-maker Award of up to £1,500 - are available. The award includes free professional support from an Executive Producer, training from industry professionals, free access to production facilities and opportunities for public screenings. Requests for completion funds will be considered - please get in touch to discuss your proposal. For further information contact Michael McCormack on 020 8724 8797 or email michael.mccormack@lbbd.gov.uk.

Eastern Edge Film Fund guidelines

Eastern Edge Film Fund online application form

Edit an existing Eastern Edge application

Wandsworth, Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea
Shorts Film Fund
Deadline for applications: Noon, Friday 15 October 2010
Up to £4,000 is available to film-makers who live, work or study in one of the three boroughs for the production of new work, or the completion of film projects. For further information contact Maria Horn on 020 8871 7119 or email mhorn@wandsworth.gov.uk.

Shorts Film Fund guidelines

Shorts Film Fund online application form

Edit an existing Shorts Film Fund application

Film London in 90 Seconds

Film London in 90 Seconds is a competition to encourage film-makers living or working in one of the participating boroughs to submit a 90 second film. Themed around their local area, films can be shot on anything from the latest professional camera to a mobile phone.

After a successful pilot  year, the values of the award have been increased to £500.  11 boroughs are involved in 2010-11: Barnet, Brent, Hillingdon, Islington, Merton, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Sutton; and new to the initiative this year: Camden, Croydon, Tower Hamlets and Hackney.

The application forms and criteria for each borough will be posted here later in the autumn - sign up for the Film London email newsletter to find out more.


Contact

To find out more about the London Borough Film Fund Challenge, or for general enquiries about short film funding, please contact Josic Cadoret on 020 7613 7692 or email josic.cadoret@filmlondon.org.uk.