UPstream 2024

UPstream is a fresh and innovative showcase of IP ripe for adaptation into film, TV or games, from creatives around the world working in varied disciplines, from podcasts, publishing and theatre to graphic novels, games and short film.

After three increasingly ambitious annual events, UPstream upscaled in 2024 as a regular online showcase of fresh ideas, new talent and pathbreaking creativity.

We're excited to share with you our Winter '24 UPdate, with six promising creators and projects.

You can check out an overview of the projects in the pages below, along with contact details for the creators.

If you or someone you work with would like to receive our quarterly updates, please sign up here, and save upstream@filmlondon.org.uk in your contacts to make sure our emails get through.

Huge thanks to our funding partners, BFI NETWORK and the Mayor of London, who make UPstream possible.

Winter '24

The Brownlow Mysteries

A series of deftly plotted mystery novels in the intriguing and perilous world of animal crime, from accomplished writer Judy Upton.

Dark Luminaries

From visionary genre writer Jason Eric Perlman, a historical fantasy exploring a real-life, star-studded Victorian occult society...and how they might have taken the world to war...

Medium

A workplace dramedy series about finding common ground when we're poles apart - by creative polymath Emre Mirza.

Metamorphosis

From Emmy-nominated director Shannon Service, an all-access documentary about the man who flew with condors and brought Da Vinci's flying machine to life.

Ribbon, Hook, Sticks, Ball

From BIFA-nominated filmmaker Elahe Esmaili, a series about a ragtag family of rhythmic gymnasts who lift each other through adversity and competing nationally.

Rooted

An animated feature film about a team of heroic trees who battle man's greed—and their own quirks and anxieties—to save the natural world. Based on the book by Sharon & Tara Tosten.

Summer '24

A Thousand Suns

A visionary sci-fi shorts anthology from director-DP Macgregor

Cable Street

Love in a time of fascism: an epic historical romance from playwright Lisa Goldman

Everyone's Happy

A riveting sci-fi coming of age audio drama from writer-producer Joanne Phillips

Falling Out

A hilarious comedy series from writer-director Alex Baro-Cayetano that breathes new life into zombie horror

Meeting Mr Samuel

A magical realist comedy series that really emphasises the human in superhuman, from filmmaker Rob Leggatt

Miss Shakti

From writer Sharmila Chauhan, a drama-thriller exploring the dark heart of mystical female empowerment

Spring '24

Adapt or Die

Meet Tom Oldham, a genuine oracle when it comes to comic stories ripe for adaptation

African Nightmare

A supernatural thriller feature set in the world of diplomacy, from writer and former diplomat Yinka Amuda

Duppy

BFI NETWORK alum Ajuan Isaac-George's Spielbergesque coming-of-age horror drawing on Caribbean folklore.

Gwyendolin's Got It

From British Animation Award winner Tanya Scott, a medieval animated comedy about the quest to find thyself.

Heads

Puppetry and stop-motion bring to life a vivid and unsettling world in this animated series from award-winning director Tiffany Kimmel.

Mount Virtue

Em Smith and Lydia Rynne, the duo behind riotous BFI NETWORK short Rapture, present their sci-fi coming of age comedy series.

Noisemaker

Award-winning musical theatre duo Claire McKenzie & Scott Gilmour present three shows that would make great film and TV.

Planet City

From director and futurologist Liam Young, a vision for a new world, with endless storytelling potential.

Record Man

The lively true story behind the birth of Disco, the music that moved a generation, written for TV by Pete Capo and Rolando Vinas.

whynow

From music docs to viral comedy, whynow presents a medley of exciting projects.

You From The Future

Joe & Tim present the series adaptation of their festival-smashing BFI NETWORK sci-fi comedy short.