The UK Global Screen Fund, launched in April 2021, has been instrumental in promoting and supporting independent UK feature films on the international stage. This fund, financed by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS), aims to enhance the profile and reach of UK films in the global marketplace. Through its International Distribution strand, the fund provides financial support to sales agents and producers, enabling them to increase international promotion and sales of UK feature film projects. In this article, we will delve into the latest awards announced by the UK Global Screen Fund and explore the opportunities it offers for international promotion of independent UK feature films.
The Latest Awards
On Thursday 8th February 2024, the BFI, in collaboration with the UK Global Screen Fund, announced nine new awards to support international opportunities for the UK’s independent screen sector. These awards, totaling £129,498, have been allocated through the fund’s International Distribution strand. With these latest awards, the International Distribution strand has now made a total of 66 awards, amounting to over £2 million in funding.
The financial support provided through the International Distribution strand encompasses three tracks: Film Sales, Prints & Advertising (P&A), and Festival Launch. Each track plays a crucial role in increasing the international profile and sales potential of UK feature films. Let’s explore each track in detail.
Film Sales
The Film Sales track supports UK sales agents in their efforts to enhance the international promotion and sales of UK feature film projects. By providing funding, this track enables sales agents to reach a wider audience and secure international partnerships. The goal is to expand the global reach of UK films and maximize their sales potential.
Prints & Advertising (P&A)
The Prints & Advertising track focuses on supporting UK films in reaching international audiences. Funding is allocated to activities that enhance the marketing and promotional efforts of UK films outside the UK. By investing in the distribution and advertising of these films, the fund aims to increase their visibility and attract a broader audience worldwide.
Festival Launch
The Festival Launch track provides support for the festival launch of UK films, aiming to enhance their promotion, reach, and audiences internationally. By assisting UK films in premiering at prestigious film festivals, the fund helps to raise their profile and secure international sales. This track plays a vital role in showcasing the talent and creativity of UK filmmakers to the global film industry.
Success Stories
The UK Global Screen Fund has already witnessed several success stories, with UK feature films making a mark on the international stage. Let’s take a closer look at some of the films that have received support from the fund and achieved significant milestones.
10 Lives
Directed by Christopher Jenkins, “10 Lives” is an animated family comedy feature film about a pampered cat. With a cast led by Mo Gilligan, Simone Ashley, Sophie Okonedo, and Zayn Malik, this film has garnered attention and support from the UK Global Screen Fund. The Festival Launch Support grant contributed to its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, further enhancing its presence and promoting the talent of UK filmmakers.
Eno
“Eno” is a US/UK co-production and a feature documentary about British musician Brian Eno. This unique film uses generative software to provide audiences with a different version of the film every time they watch it. The Festival Launch Support grant boosted its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, creating a buzz around the film and showcasing the innovative approach taken by the filmmakers.
Kneecap
“Kneecap,” directed by Rich Peppiatt, is an Irish-language Ireland/UK co-production that depicts the rise of Belfast-based hip-hop trio Kneecap. Starring the band members themselves, as well as Michael Fassbender, this film received Festival Launch Support, contributing to its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The support provided by the UK Global Screen Fund played a crucial role in securing its first major sale to Sony Pictures Classics for multiple territories.
Last Swim
“Last Swim,” directed by Sasha Nathwani, follows the story of an ambitious British-Iranian teenager in London who has been diagnosed with a life-changing condition. This feature film, which marks Nathwani’s directorial debut, received Festival Launch Support for its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. The fund’s support aims to boost its profile and secure strong international sales in key territories.
Layla
Written and directed by Amrou Al-Kadhi, “Layla” is a British romance that explores the journey of a struggling Arab drag queen falling in love for the first time. The film received Festival Launch Support, leading to its world premiere within the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Film Festival. The support provided by the UK Global Screen Fund aimed to enhance its presence and attract international sales in key territories.
Sebastian
Directed by Mikko Mäkelä, “Sebastian” is a UK/Finland/Belgium co-production that tells the story of Max, an aspiring writer living in London who leads a double life as a sex worker to research his debut novel. The film received Festival Launch Support, contributing to its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The support from the fund boosted the profile of the film and its UK producer at the event.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is a feature documentary about actor, director, and disability activist Christopher Reeve. The Festival Launch Support grant played a crucial role in enhancing the profile of its international premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The film has since secured a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, further highlighting its success.
The Outrun
Directed by Nora Fingscheidt, “The Outrun” is a UK/Germany co-production featuring Saoirse Ronan. The film follows a woman returning to Scotland’s Orkney Islands to confront her troubled past. The Festival Launch Support grant contributed to the world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, boosting the profile of the film and its UK producers. The fund’s support aims to secure strong international sales for this thought-provoking film.
Opportunities for Funding
The UK Global Screen Fund continues to provide opportunities for funding. Currently, the fund is open for International Co-production applications, with the deadline set for 5th April. Additionally, the International Distribution Festival Launch Support, Film Sales Support, and P&A Support tracks are assessed on a rolling basis.
Looking ahead, the UK Global Screen Fund has plans to reopen the International Business Development track on 4th April and the second round of International Co-production on 30th September. These reopening dates present further opportunities for UK filmmakers and industry professionals to access funding and support for their projects.
The UK Global Screen Fund is playing a pivotal role in promoting and supporting the international promotion of independent UK feature films. Through its various funding tracks, the fund enables sales agents and producers to enhance the reach and profile of UK films in the global marketplace. The success stories of films supported by the fund highlight the positive impact it has had on the international recognition and sales of UK feature films. With ongoing opportunities for funding, the UK Global Screen Fund continues to contribute to the growth and success of the UK’s independent screen sector on the global stage.