East of England Talent Module: How to Get a First Feature Made – Frequently Asked Questions
1. I am currently in further/higher education (university, film school etc.). Can I apply?
No, you cannot apply if you are enrolled in formal further/higher education
2. I am under 18. Can I apply?
No, you must be over 18 to apply.
3. I want to apply but will not be able to attend all 6 sessions – will you still consider my application?
We would like participants to be able to commit to attending at least 5 of the 6 sessions in order to get the most out of the module.
4. I’m from the East of England, but no longer based there. Can I apply?
No. Based on the limited amount of places available, this is just for people currently based in the East of England as we have run Talent Modules in other regions (South East, South West, North East, Midlands and Yorkshire). We may ask to see proof of address if we feel it’s necessary.
5. What do you mean by feature film?
In the context of this module we mean a fiction film of 80 minutes or more in length, released theatrically or having attracted distribution.
6. I have already made a feature film. Am I eligible?
If your film was funded by the BFI or through other public funds or has been released in UK cinemas or shown at recognised film festivals then you are unlikely to benefit from this module.
7. I have not made a short film. Am I eligible?
You do not need to have made a short film previously to be eligible for this module. We just need to see some evidence of your ability to tell stories for the screen. You may be a writer of fiction or drama, a DoP or editor with experience of documentary or drama, a producer or director of TV documentaries or a director working in theatre.
8. Does the course cover animation?
No, the focus is on live action not animation.
9. I am interested in feature documentaries is the scheme relevant to me?
Some parts of the course that cover storytelling, financing and production apply to documentary as well as drama but we will not be covering the very specific skills and issues that concern feature documentary.
10. I have applied for other Creative England schemes like iShorts and iFeatures and been unsuccessful. Am I eligible?
Yes. We have different selection criteria for the modules so please don’t be put off from applying now.
11. My current project in development is a TV drama series not a film does this matter?
Not if it is a great idea, but bear in mind that the purpose of the course is to equip you with knowledge and skills to help get a feature film project made so consider if your project could work as a feature film or tell us about another project.
12. If selected for the scheme does that mean my project is eligible for funding by Creative England?
The scheme is primarily designed to share relevant knowledge and information to prepare you for taking the next step with your project. There are no follow-on funds attached for development or production, but we encourage people to apply to our film offer.
13. I don’t have any of the experience that you specify, but I do have good reasons for thinking I’m ready to make a feature film: will you consider my application?
If you genuinely believe that you can convince us of your suitability for the course then you are welcome to make an application.
14. How many people will you be selecting for the module?
Around 40 places are available and will be selected on a competitive basis by Creative England and write2screen. The screening and networking event on 12th December will be an open event which you can register to attend.
15. Will you give feedback on applications which are unsuccessful?
No. Based on the volume of submissions we’re anticipating we are unable to give any specific feedback on individual applications.
16. I am part of a film-making team – can I make a joint application with other members of my team?
Please apply as an individual telling us about your experience. If you are part of a team that information will be relevant to your application. You might want to consider whether other team members should apply too, as one of the planned sessions covers creative collaboration and dealing with different visions and approaches.
