Art of Action is an upcoming UK-wide season celebrating the artistry of real action choreography that’s kept audiences on the edge of their seats since the early days of cinema.
Conceived by BFI FAN and delivered in partnership with BFI, Art of Action offers a captivating journey through cinema from the jaw-dropping stunts of silent cinema pioneers via the daredevil ethos of Hong Kong filmmaking to today’s intricate dynamic visual choreography.
Art of Action will explore the cinematic artistry, skill and craft involved in creating iconic sequences and films, as well as engage with the historic roots and cross-cultural influences of action cinema. You can also expect behind-the-scenes insights into the daring and ground-breaking world of the film action community and opportunities for the next generation of creatives.
We are now inviting cinemas, festivals and multi-arts and media organisations in the South East to present seasons, events and screenings as part of this UK-wide season.
You can download the Creative Brief for more information about the programme’s aims and to get some inspiration. Please see further details about the funding opportunities and how to apply below.
What funding is available?
There are three pots of funding available, depending on the type of activity you want to deliver. Please read the Funding Guidelines for more information and guidance.
Menu awards
Pick from a menu of key titles and access support of up to £500 (£125 per film) for enhancement wraparound activity and audience development; with a very straightforward process to access the support. The menu titles are:
- The General (1926)
- The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
- The Train (1964)
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
- Yes, Madam! (1985)
- Point Break (1991)
- Run, Lola, Run (1998)
- Polite Society (2023)
- Seven Samurai (1954)
- The Wild Bunch (1969)
- Police Story Trilogy (1985-1992)
To find out more about the titles, formats available and for booking details, please consult the season title list.
Bespoke awards
Up to £15,000 (average awards likely to be circa £5,000 based on previous activity) to develop bespoke activity within the parameters of the Creative Brief.
This funding pot will require more detailed information and is best suited to larger or more experienced FAN members who have a track record of reaching audiences with unique, bespoke programming.
Cross-FAN awards
Cross-FAN proposals can be made for up to £15,000 to support programme, marketing, and outreach activity taking place in more than one Hub with the potential to tour or multiply its impact across the UK. For example, a touring programme celebrating under-represented voices in the stunt community or a short film programme that can be played around the country.
This will require a larger amount of information and planning in order to access funding. If you are interested in this, you should contact Film Hub South West as soon as possible to discuss your ideas: filmhub@watershed.co.uk
Cross-FAN activity is suited for larger FAN members with a proven track record of delivering more complex projects in multiple locations.
How do I apply?
In the first instance, please download and read the Creative Brief and Funding Guidelines for the season.
After reading the guidelines, please complete the online application. The application is only to be completed online. As the online form cannot be saved mid-progress we have provided a Word template for you to plan your Bespoke or Cross-FAN proposal before online submission, if required, as well as a budget template.
Timelines
Bespoke and Cross-FAN activity must take place between October and December 2024. Menu activity can take place until January 2025.
The deadline for Bespoke and Cross-FAN proposals is 5pm, Friday 21 June 2024.
Menu proposals can be submitted until Monday 30 September 2024 (but note that for your activity to be included in initial listings announcement, you will need to submit your expression of interest and confirm your bookings by the end of July).
Decisions will be made by 15 July 2024, and the BFI’s full programme announcement is due in early August.
Am I eligible?
You must be a member of Film Hub South East as part of BFI Film Audience Network to access support from this programme. Find out more about joining Film Hub South East.
Access Support
If you have particular access requirements (e.g. easy read documents) or would like to submit your application in another way, please email us and we’ll be happy to discuss options.
If you have access requirements that mean you need assistance when seeking funds, you may be able to request this through the BFI Access Support scheme.
Art of Action Exhibitor Meeting
Thursday 25 April - Watershed, Bristol
FAN members were invited to Watershed, Bristol on Thursday 25 April to join the team and experts behind the season to explore how they might develop their own activity as part of this UK-wide programme. If you were unable to attend, a recording of the event will be shared here soon.
Contact us
If you have any questions about Art of Action, please get in touch with us. We’re happy to discuss your application before receiving a submission. Email us at: filmhubse@independentcinemaoffice.org.uk
