Outline is our programme to develop writing talent in the South East, with a focus on those who are underrepresented in the film industry. This year, we’re supporting women and non-binary writers or writer-directors.
With Outline, we aim to support up to eight writers or writer-directors based in the South East (as defined by the BFI) to develop a short film script. Participants will attend sessions in person and online to develop their treatments into completed screenplay drafts for a short film (up to 15 minutes in length).
Outline will be facilitated by Rachel Pronger, who, as a script editor, works directly with filmmakers and offers editorial consultancy and assessment for funding bodies and production companies such as BBC Film, Channel 4, Doc Society and the BFI Film Fund.
Outline will begin with an in-person group session in October. Then, over the course of three to four months, participants will receive one-to-one feedback sessions and peer-to-peer mentoring, as well as individual guidance and notes on script development. Participants will also attend an additional networking event to meet with those who attended our Emerging Producers Labs.
Fees
There will be a £15 fee for the successful applicants, which will cover expenses such as catering.
We will also be able to contribute to the cost of the ticket, or travel costs to and from the in-person sessions, for those who need it.
Who is it for?
- Participation in Outline is open to writers working in any creative discipline who have an idea for a short film under 15 minutes in length.
- The focus for this year and for the future is to support talent from groups who are underrepresented in the film industry. This year, we’re supporting women and non-binary writers or writer-directors.
- We’re looking for applications from people who haven’t yet received funding from BFI NETWORK or other major funding bodies. Previous writing experience isn’t necessary, and we encourage you to be bold and inventive with your ideas and to take creative risks.
- You must be based in the South East region (as defined by the BFI, please note this does not include London) and able to commit to attending a range of workshops, development sessions and industry events, as well as completing assigned writing work between meetings.
- Your script idea must be original, e.g. not based on existing novels, short stories or other literary works.
- This programme is for early short film script ideas, not ideas that are already in script form. If you have a more developed idea with an existing script, we suggest you consider applying for the BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund when it reopens.
Course facilitator
Rachel Pronger
Rachel Pronger is a writer, curator and script editor. She began her career working in programming and communications for festivals and cinemas across the UK, including Tyneside Cinema, Edinburgh International Film Festival and BFI Flare. She has served as a programme advisor for Sheffield DocFest, BFI London Film Festival, Alchemy Film & Arts and Aesthetica Short Film Festival. As a script editor, she works directly with filmmakers, as well as offering editorial consultancy and assessment for funding bodies and production companies such as BBC Film, Channel 4, Doc Society and the BFI Film Fund. Rachel is also the co-founder of Invisible Women, an archive activist feminist film collective which champions historic work by women and marginalised gender filmmakers through curation, events and editorial.
How to apply
Please apply via the online application form at the bottom of this page.
The deadline for applications to be submitted will be Monday 1 September, 10 AM.
If you have any questions about the programme or if you need any support in completing your application (e.g. if you would like to complete it in another format), please contact us at: bfinetwork@independentcinemaoffice.org.uk
As part of your application, please also complete an Equality Monitoring Form. We’re collecting this information to help us evaluate our work to increase diversity and inclusivity in the sector. The information you provide here will be anonymous and won’t be connected to or identifiable with your application. Thank you.
Before applying, please ensure you have read through the ‘Who is it for?’ section above and that you fulfil the criteria.
As part of your application, we require a treatment. If you are not sure what a treatment involves, we have explained in more detail here what we are looking for.
Application form
Applications are now closed for this programme.