FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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The application form has full details and a checklist but frequent queries are outlined below:

What have Screen South given funding for in the past?

i. Training
We help with funding for bursaries for training courses. The award must develop your career in the industry. Based on your past experience and future ambitions this specific course must be the best option for you and will be assessed for:
• Appropriateness
• Quality
• Value for money
Match funding. Screen South must be convinced that this is something that you value so will expect to see your contribution to the costs.

Please apply to Screen South before applying for the course to allow your application to be assessed. Your application can be withdrawn if you are not accepted on the course.

ii. Education
Screen South supports projects that stimulate and inspire young people in their appreciation of the moving image.

iii. Exhibition
Film Festivals
Festivals are assessed on their unique contribution to the local community and the wider Screen South region. They will be expected to host events in which the industry can engage with the community and events in which the national and international industry can engage with the local filmmakers. The quality of event must be assessed via audience feedback and it must represent value for money.

NB. Due to the cost of hosting film festivals Screen South would expect to be minority funders. Funding for film festivals can only be assessed in the first funding round of the financial year which is in April. Please keep an eye on our website for funding deadlines.

Film Societies
We assess support for Film Societies on the level of organisation and structure shown by those making the application and the perceived need for the film society by the community.

Cinemas
Audience development /education/access

iv. Production and Development
New Talent
Screen South Development and Networking Programmes are currently run by City Eye Southampton, Kent Hothouse, Lighthouse Brighton, Oxford Film and Video Makers. The programmes deliver access to equipment, access to development schemes, projects, opportunities and careers advice where suitable.

We do not fund shorts through the RIFE Open Fund. Please keep an eye on our website for specific schemes.

Creative teams
Screen South support Producers, Screenwriters and Directors through:
• Good Foundations-development programme for creative teams and their projects
• Festival attendance and industry showcases
• Business Support
• Networks Productions

v. Locations and Inward Investment
Screen South Film Commission based in Pinewood Studios assists with locations.

vi. Archive
Access to public catalogue
Cultural contribution

Should I apply as an individual or an organisation?
• Individuals can apply for a maximum of £5,000
• Organisations can apply for a maximum of £10,000
• You must live or work in the region. If applying as an individual you must live in the region, or if applying as an organisation it should be based in the region. You will be asked to provide proof of address.
• Your company must be registered with Companies House and to prove this you must supply a memorandum and articles of association and enclose your latest management accounts.
• Companies must supply two signatures. Your application is not eligible without two signatures and will be delayed.

How much should I apply for?
We can only fund you to a maximum of the amount you apply for (individuals £5000, organisations £10,000) but you should note that we have a limited budget and cannot guarantee that you will be awarded the full amount.

How much funding do you award each year from the RIFE Open Fund?
We have £205,000 available to award applicants through the open fund. Please bear in mind that last year we awarded 132 projects, an average of £1,500 each. This should help you to get a realistic idea of the funds available.

Which form?
How much are you applying for?
• If less than £500 then apply using the small awards application form
• If more than £500 then use the large awards application form

Address
You must live or work in the Screen South region. If unsure, please phone the office to check that your postcode is in our area. If applying as an individual we must receive a two valid forms of proof of address. These may include utility bills or official letters, issued in the last three months in your name, to enable us to validate your address. We will not accept mobile telephone bills or letters from Production Companies. Organisations must supply their address as registered with Companies House. If you are a subsidiary, you must supply a letter stating you have the permission of your head office.

I am in full time education, can I apply for funding?
No, unfortunately we do not fund people in full time education.

Who is my local authority?
This is who you pay your council tax to – not your district council.

Professional or community based project?
• Professional – in support of the film industry
• Community – using film to support the people who live in the region. To raise the standard of community film making and help bring the professionals to the community.
Professional applications are assessed by professional standards and community applications are assessed at an appropriate level for the project.

Who will benefit from the project and in what ways?
It is ok to say it is you, as an individual, that will benefit.

Can I apply for funding for short films through the Open Fund?
No, we only fund short films through specific strands aimed at short films. Please keep an eye on our website and sign up for our e-newsletter for details.

Should I send in AV material?
Yes please, it is helpful for assessors to see some examples of your work. Please send in AV material on VHS or DVD. We cannot accept responsibility for lost or damaged AV material but we will try to return it to you if you include a stamped addressed envelope.

Please make sure you include all material in support of your application
If you have previously applied to Screen South and we have had a copy of your script or AV material before, please don’t assume we will automatically put it with your application. Please re-send all material.

When and where is your next information day?
Details of forthcoming information days can be found on our website.

Do I have to attend an information day?
While we do accept all eligible applications we would much rather meet you and discuss your project at an early stage of development. You will not automatically meet a funding panel if you have not attended an information day.

Should I declare that I have met staff or board members of Screen South or the UK Film Council?
No, you only need to do so if you have a personal or professional relationship with them.

I’ve just been accepted onto a course that starts next week. Can I get funding?
No, unfortunately, we need at least 10 working days to turn around your application form.

How long will it be before I know if my application is successful?
Small Awards: It can take up to 6 weeks to process your application. Notification of small awards will be within 10 working days of the panel meeting to discuss your project.
Large Awards: Your application will go forward to the next available funding round where you will meet the panel. We must receive it in the office at least 15 days before the funding panel. The Project Assessment and Funding Committee or Screen South Board must ratify decisions made at the funding round after which you will be notified within 10 working days as to the success of your project. Please call the Screen South offices to find out dates.

How long will it be before I receive the money?
If you are successful, we will send out a contract, which you must return to us within 30 days. Once we receive a signed contract and all other requested information, we will issue your first instalment. This can take up to 20 working days.

How can I get finance for film development?
Please try the following organisations
• The UK film council development fund
www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk
• Working Title www.workingtitlefilms.com
• Channel 4/Film Four www.channel4.com/film/ffchannel/ - check out specific schemes they may be running
• BBC www.bbc.co.uk - check out specific schemes they may be running

Where can I find information on courses?
We have delivery partners around the region that should be able to give details of up and coming training courses.
Lighthouse
Brighton www.lighthouse.org.uk 01273 384222
City Eye
Southampton www.city-eye.co.uk 02380 677167
Oxford Film and Video Makers
www.ofvm.org 01865 792732

Please keep an eye on our website and sign up for our e-newsletter to keep up to date on Screen South’s activities.


Please keep an eye on our website and sign up for our e-newsletter to keep up to date on Screen South’s activities.