Out-of-London producers invited to apply for bursary
Creative UK has opened applications for the Simon Relph Memorial Bursary to support emerging producers in the early stages of their film career.
The bursary of £15,000 supports the career development of new independent producers by enabling them to build their slate of projects, grow their key industry networks, and access mentoring from sector leading figures, which have previously included Tim Bevan, Rebecca O’Brien, Tessa Ross, Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen.
Relph, British film producer and former chairman of BAFTA, died in 2016 and the Simon Relph Memorial Bursary was launched two years later. The Bursary aims to address a gap in support available for producers living outside London.
The inaugural Simon Relph Memorial Bursary was awarded to Anna Griffin in 2018, followed by Lindsey Dryden in 2019. On her experience of receiving the Bursary, Dryden said: "It was game-changing for me as a producer and for my company Little By Little Films to receive the Simon Relph Memorial Bursary. It gave me the autonomy to take the creative risks that our industry requires, and it enabled me to strategise and invest in my own time to develop projects and people. This time and freedom is so crucial, and also near-impossible to carve out for filmmakers without financial backing. Receiving the Bursary has meant that my South West England-based indie film company has been able to build an incredible team, and stay true to our values.
“We're a queer-led, women-led, disabled-led company and I'm very proud to work with such brilliant talent. We have feature-length documentaries and short films in production, feature films, feature documentaries and TV series in development, and we've been working with the BFI, Wellcome, Doc Society, Channel 4 and Netflix.
“It's so important for producers to be trusted with their ethos and voice - I can't wait to find out how the next Bursary winner will bring their vision to life!
In addition to financial and mentoring support, the recipient of the Simon Relph Memorial Bursary can also take part in Creative Enterprise’s Market Trader, an intensive programme offering industry insights into international film markets.
Caroline Norbury OBE, chief executive, Creative UK, added: “I am delighted to announce that applications have opened for the Simon Relph Memorial Bursary. Simon was a passionate champion of emerging filmmaking talent in this country and it is fitting for us to continue to honour his memory through this award. Support for the development of new producing talent, compared with the opportunities available for directors and screenwriters, is often limited. I am pleased that this Bursary seeks to address this imbalance.”
The Relph family said: "So fantastic that the bursary in Simon's name is continuing in its support of up and coming producers on their road to making films. He was passionate about the creativity of the producer's role and we are so pleased that new producers are still benefiting from financial support and mentoring in his name."
The Simon Relph Memorial Bursary is made possible with the support of the British Board of Film Classification and Working Title.
Also on The Knowledge
Champion begins filming in Birmingham for BBC One
Champion, a major new drama from Candice Carty-Williams, begins filming in Birmingham this week for BBC One.
21,000 more crew needed by 2025 to support UK production growth
A new forecast of UK film and high-end TV production growth and skills commissioned by ScreenSkills and published today (24 June) suggests that nearly 21,000 more crew might be needed by 2025 to support the sector’s growth.
Scotland’s screen sector generated more than £550m in 2019
A major new report commissioned by Screen Scotland has revealed the economic value of the screen sector across Scotland, having delivered £567.6 million to the country’s economy in 2019.
Peter Capaldi, Cush Jumbo film Apple drama in London
Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo lead the cast of detective drama Criminal Record for Apple TV+, currently filming in London.
The Lazarus Project filmed in Bristol locations
New Sky Original drama The Lazarus Project, starring Paapa Essiedu, filmed in several Bristol locations during a lengthy shoot last year, with backdrops doubling for London, Paris and Romania.
Retaining crew aged over 50 could help UK industry meet challenges, says research
The UK film and TV industry could have 35,000 more workers to help it meet the crewing needs of the production boom if it increased the retention of older, experienced staff aged over 50, according to research by the Film and TV Charity.
