Applications open on 28 April for the new £7m UK Global Screen Fund, launched by the department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the BFI. The funding is available to support UK-based screen sector companies with international distribution, business development and co-production.

Aimed at boosting global exports of UK content, the one-year, £7m pilot fund will target support across the industry, including film, TV, animation, documentary and interactive narrative games (Interactive) content. The DCMS will finance the resource with the BFI administering it.

The fund has been launched following industry consultation from all four UK nations and is designed to help develop and produce projects with international appeal, expand the worldwide distribution of UK content and encourage collaboration with international partners.

Ben Roberts, BFI CEO, said: “Today’s announcement of the £7m pilot UK Global Screen Fund will deliver a vital boost to the UK’s exceptional independent screen sector by stimulating international partnerships and generating new export opportunities.

“As we look to this weekend”s Oscars, and the incredible line up of UK nominees, it”s clear our screen industries continue to punch above their weight internationally, and contribute significantly to the UK economy. It”s vital we continue to build on the global impact of our diverse and brilliant independent screen content, enabling the creativity and success for which the UK is so renowned.”

Producer David Parfitt added: “We are delighted with the success of The Father, which has now sold in multiple territories around the world. However, this new fund brings a business development element alongside distribution support which is particularly attractive to a company like ours. It would allow us to engage and compete on more equal terms with other global independent production companies, allowing us to take further risks and giving a welcome boost for international success.”

Fellow producer Barbara Broccoli remarked: “I”m in constant awe of UK filmmaking – from the best writers, most skilled crafts people, extraordinary actors, innovative producers and visionary directors, our talent speaks to global audiences. And it starts with independent film – it”s the bedrock of all this creativity and an essential part of the ecosystem of film, it allows us to take risks and be bold, nurture talent and build skills. This new fund will help support that creativity and allow audiences all over the world to enjoy it.”

Constructed to complement the UK”s wider screen landscape, the pilot fund is led by Neil Peplow, director of international affairs BFI. Funding will be allocated to three open access strands:

UK-based companies eligible for the UK Global Screen Fund will be able to apply from next week, with the International Distribution strand opening on 28 April. Companies will be able to apply for Business Development funding from May, followed by Co-Production funding from June.

The UK Global Screen Fund is open to independent screen sector companies registered and centrally managed in the UK, which meet the eligibility criteria in the published guidelines.

The Father image: Lionsgate.