Scottish Programme for Boundary Pushing Short Films Invites Applications

Funding and support are available to up-and-coming Scotland-based writers, directors and producers to create inspiring, engaging and boundary-pushing short films (live action and animation) that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Sharp Shorts is a short film fund administered by Short Circuit, a talent development initiative delivered by Film City Futures in partnership with Glasgow Film, and funded by Screen Scotland and BFI NETWORK.

In the 2023 edition of Sharp Shorts, Short Circuit will select up to 12 projects to take part in a three-month development phase.

New and emerging filmmakers based in Scotland are eligible to apply, including those looking to make the transition to fiction from documentary or experimental film, as well as practitioners working in other mediums such as television, theatre, literature and other forms of visual and/or performing arts.

The following criteria apply:

  • All applicants should be able to demonstrate some experience of crafting a dramatic narrative or professional artwork in at least one of these formats.
  • Applications are particularly sought from complete teams of writer, director (or writer/director) and producer or from individual writers or writer/directors. Individual producers or directors not currently attached to a project will be invited to submit for consideration as a potential collaborator at a later date.
  • Short Circuit is keen to encourage applications from individuals and teams currently under-represented within the Scottish screen industries, which includes writers, directors and producers from Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority backgrounds, Disabled and D/deaf people, the LGBTQI+ community and women.

After pitching for a production award in September 2023, up to six projects will be selected to receive up to £25,000 of funding.

Costs of up to £5,000 relating to health and wellbeing needs will be covered in addition to the core budget if required.

Additionally, a supplementary amount can be included where necessary for Access Costs.

The deadline for applications is 29 May 2023 (11:00 BST).

(This report was the subject of a GRANTfinder Newsflash.)