Finding funding for your film or television project can feel like a full-time job. Between the different schemes, eligibility criteria, application forms and deadlines, it’s easy to spend more time trying to secure the money than developing the work itself.
I’ve applied for my fair share of funding opportunities over the years, with varying degrees of success. I’ve reached interview stages, received encouraging feedback and spent countless hours preparing applications that ultimately went no further; I’ve even, on occasion, been successful. Yet, looking back, I’ve gained something valuable from almost every one.
The first lesson I’ve learned is that finding a funding opportunity and finding the right funding opportunity are two very different things.
Before you apply, do your homework.
Think of a funding application like a job application. You wouldn’t apply for a position without understanding the organisation, the role and what they’re looking for. Funding is much the same.
Start by researching the funder. What are their priorities? What projects have they supported previously? What outcomes are they hoping to achieve? Most importantly, does your project align with their objectives?
Meeting the eligibility criteria is only part of the equation. Understanding whether your project is a good fit can save you considerable time.
Consider what the application is asking of you.
Funding applications often require writers to articulate aspects of their projects they haven’t fully considered.
Why this story? Why are you the person to tell it? Who is the audience? What development is needed, and how would the funding help you achieve it?
These questions can be uncomfortable, particularly when you’re still exploring an idea. But answering them can expose weaknesses, clarify your intentions and strengthen the project.
Think beyond the outcome.
Rejection is an inevitable part of applying for funding, and the time invested can be substantial. Before committing to an application, I now consider what I might gain from the process itself.
Will I develop materials I can use elsewhere? Will the research help me understand the industry better? Might I establish a relationship with an organisation or identify a clearer direction for my project? Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes the application isn’t worth the time.
Approaching funding strategically means recognising both possibilities.
Want to explore the process further?
In my upcoming workshop with John Yorke Story, we’ll examine how to identify suitable funding opportunities, understand what funders are looking for and approach applications with greater confidence. We’ll also explore how to make the process work for you, whatever the outcome.
Securing funding may be the goal, but the application itself can give you value beyond the fund itself.
Get tickets for my workshop: The Funding Process – Getting More Than the Money, streaming live on Wednesday 14 October at 5.30pm BST.
