Creative Skillset Film Skills Fund
Creative Skillset Film Skills Fund International Scholarships Funding for training of up to £5,000 available for film professionals Total fund: £75,000 Rolling deadline until 31 March 2016 International Scholarships are funding for training grants of up to £5,000 for experienced producers, writers and directors and mid-level to senior executives working in the film business (sales, distribution and exhibition) to attend intensive and high-level developmental programmes in the UK or overseas, which target international participation and encourage international collaboration. To apply you must be an experienced professional working in an eligible area (above) in the UK film industry. This year we will invest up to £75,000 in International Scholarships for approximately 15-25 film professionals. Diversity We welcome applications from individuals in under-represented groups including women (with a specific focus on older women), BAME and disabled people. We recognise the importance of assisting individuals in under-represented groups in reaching the next step in their careers, helping them progress to influential decision-making positions and increasing diversity across the film industry. About the Creative Skillset Film Skills Fund Creative Skillset’s Film Skills Fund is funded by the British Film Institute (BFI) with National Lottery funds and through the Skills Investment Funds, which comprise industry and Government coinvestment. The Film Skills Fund is part of the Film Skills Strategy, which addresses the vital skills and training needs of the film industry to deliver maximum economic and cultural return: to create jobs, strengthen skills, build skills for the future, and ensure world-class film education. Find out more about the Film Skills Strategy. Getting advice Read this guide fully to understand what training can be funded and how to apply. For further information or advice, please contact: Francesca Howell Fund Administrator T: 020 7713 9829 E: bursaries@creativeskillset.org 1 1. What are International Scholarships? International Scholarships are funding for training grants of up to £5,000 for experienced writers, producers and directors working in the UK film industry to attend intensive and high-level developmental programmes in the UK or overseas, which target international participation and encourage international collaboration. We also invite applications from mid-senior film business professionals working in sales, distribution and exhibition to attend relevant training programmes under the same international ethos. This funding for training aims to help UK talent manoeuvre effectively within the global marketplace, helping co-productions to get made and UK films to find international audiences. Examples of programmes and institutions that focus on international participation include: EAVE (European Audio-visual Entrepreneurs) ACE (Ateliers du Cinéma Européen) Media Business School Erich Pommer Institute Peacefulfish ‘Bridging the Gap’ EP2C European Post-Production Connection Trans Atlantic Partners (TAP) Sundance Labs Binger Labs This list is not exhaustive. Please note that if the programme is already core-funded by Creative Skillset, then you are unable to apply for an International Scholarship to attend as our funding already supports this training. Our logo will be displayed on training marketing materials if we fund the programme, or please check with the programme leader before making an application. 2. What can I apply for? An International Scholarship can be used to attend intensive and high-level developmental programmes in the UK or overseas, which target international participation and encourage international collaboration. You may apply to attend more than one programme within one application. You will need to demonstrate that the programmes cover sufficiently different areas to make it necessary to attend more than one. You may apply to attend training outside the UK, but you must demonstrate why this is more appropriate than training in the UK. You can apply to more than one Creative Skillset fund providing that you and the course still meet the eligibility criteria. Note that you cannot apply to different funds for the same programme. All training must take place within 12 months from the date of your offer letter. If this is not possible due to the course schedule, contact the Fund Administrator for further advice. 2 What an International Scholarship will not support Training that does not meet the criteria set out in these guidelines; Full-time graduate, postgraduate, degree or diploma courses; Training that is already supported by either the Creative Skillset Film Skills Fund or the Creative Skillset TV Skills Fund. Creative Skillset subsidises the cost of training in two ways: funding to a training organisation to run a specific programme or course and direct funding to individuals. If Creative Skillset has already supported a course by giving finance to a training provider, it is not able to give funding for training to individuals to attend these courses as this would amount to double-funding; Training that is due to start earlier than one day after the date your application is received by Creative Skillset; Training not arranged through a recognised industry training provider or assessment centre; Attendance at networking, festivals or social events, without relevant training or educational content; Film or video production or exhibition projects; The purchase of equipment; Travel, accommodation and childcare costs only. 3. Who can apply? You can apply for an International Scholarship if, as a: Writer, producer or director You can demonstrate proven high-level professional experience of working regularly in the film and documentary industry for at least three years as a freelancer or an employee. Work undertaken at film school, on training courses or in education will not be considered professional experience. Those returning to work after a career break must indicate in their application how this training is essential to their employability; You can demonstrate at least three credits on films or documentaries which have been distributed or selected for industry-recognised international film festivals. This should include: At least one talent credit at feature level (as a writer, producer, director) or shorts that have been selected for A-list industry film festivals equivalent; At least two credits on features or shorts that have been selected for A-list industry film festivals at Head of Department level or above, which includes talent positions (if two Head of Department production credits cannot be satisfied, but you have the film employment equivalent, please contact Francesca who will provide guidance on whether this can be considered); And you have at least two feature projects in development with evidence of industry interest or investment; Or you can demonstrate equivalent experience in a related creative industry; Sales, distribution or exhibition executive You can demonstrate proven high-level professional experience of working regularly in the film and documentary industry for at least three years as a freelancer or an employee. Work undertaken at film school, on training courses or in education will not be considered professional experience. Those returning to work after a career break must indicate in their application how this training is essential to their employability. 3 In both cases: You have been accepted on the training course you want to attend; You are able to demonstrate how the training you are applying for will benefit your career; You intend to use these new skills within the UK film industry. And the programme you want to attend: Starts no earlier than one working day after the date your application is received by Creative Skillset1. Is a recognised programme that focuses on international participation from a high calibre industry institution. Who cannot apply? You cannot apply for an International Scholarship if you: Are in full-time education; Do not have a permanent UK address; Cannot demonstrate clear professional experience working in the film industry that shows you are regularly working; Are applying on behalf of an organisation; Are receiving another form of Creative Skillset funding to attend the programme. Diversity Creative Skillset is committed to improving the diversity of the film industry’s workforce to better reflect the UK’s diverse population. We welcome applications from individuals in under-represented groups including women (with a specific focus on older women), BAME and disabled people. We recognise the importance of assisting individuals in under-represented groups in reaching the next step in their careers, helping them progress to influential decision-making positions and increasing diversity across the film industry. We have set targets which are specific to this fund. Please see below. The Creative Skillset Census 2012 and Creative Media Workforce Survey 2010 provided the following workforce statistics in gender, diversity and disability for the total workforce for film production, distribution and sales, and exhibition. 1 Gender – female representation is 46%, compared to 36% in the wider Creative Industries. However, of the 159 identified writers of UK films in 2011, 30 (19%) were women and of the 140 directors of UK films in 2011, 21 (15%) were women (BFI Statistical Yearbook 2012). Women also face a 15% gender pay gap compared to 10% nationally. Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic representation is 4.5%, compared to 5.4% in the wider Creative Industries; 6% of the workforce in film was identified as disabled, compared to 9% in the wider Creative Industries. Please note that it can take up to four weeks for us to reach a decision on your application. If you decide to go on your course before you receive a decision, Creative Skillset does not accept responsibility for funding your attendance. Wherever possible please try to allow four weeks between making your application to Creative Skillset and your course starting. 4 In order to make an impact on these figures we have set the following participant targets which are specific to this fund: Female participants – 60% Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic participants – 20% Disabled participants – 10% There may be other Creative Skillset funds you are eligible for, including our Diversity Fund. Read about all Creative Skillset’s funding for training. 4. How much can I apply for? Freelancers and small business owners If you are a freelancer or small business owner you may apply for up to 80% of the combined fees, travel and accommodation costs of your training, up to a maximum of £5,000 inclusive of VAT. You are a freelancer if you are currently: Employed in the film industry on a fixed term contract of no more than 364 days; In employment in the film industry but can prove that you have been given a date for termination of employment and will become a freelancer; Unemployed but have previous professional experience working in the film industry within the past two years. You are a small business owner if you currently: Have a turnover of £5.6m or less and do not draw a personal salary. If your turnover exceeds £5.6m or you do draw a personal salary then you will be assessed at an employee rate. Example Course cost: £900.00 Travel costs: £200.00 Total: £1,100.00 80% x £1,100.00 = £880.00 Employees If you are employed you may apply for up to 50% of the combined fees, travel and accommodation costs of your training, up to a maximum of £3,500, though we would usually expect your employer to contribute additionally to your training. You are an employee if you are currently: 5 Employed in the film industry on a permanent contract with one or more employers; On one or a series of renewable contracts with one employer in the film industry lasting more than 364 days. Example Course cost: £750.00 Travel costs: £200.00 Total: £950.00 50% x £950.00 = £475.00 Travel and accommodation costs Creative Skillset only pay travel and accommodation costs in addition to course fees. We cannot pay them in isolation. Travel and accommodation costs will only be supported if your training is held more than 50 miles from your home. Your home is the address you live at and must be the address you give on the application form – we may require proof of address if your application is successful. Travel and accommodation will only be supported at a standard rate: Overnight accommodation within the UK but outside London – £60/ night Overnight accommodation in London – £90/ night Overnight accommodation outside the UK – £90/ night Flights – economy rates only Rail travel – standard class fares only Car travel – 45p per mile Please provide a breakdown of your travel and accommodation costs on your application form. If your application is successful we may contact you to ask how your costs were calculated and we may require proof of travel and accommodation costs. Childcare costs We will only pay a contribution to childcare costs in addition to the course fees. We cannot pay this in isolation. Rates are as follows: Up to a maximum of £40 per day within London Up to a maximum of £30 per day outside London but within the UK We will require proof of childcare costs/arrangements if your application is successful. Other sources of funding You will need to find the remainder of the money you need for your training from sources other than Creative Skillset. As an example, sources may include: Grants from trusts and foundations A contribution from your employer Grants from Scottish Local Enterprise Councils A contribution from you Please note there is a high demand for our grants and funding is limited. Your application will be assessed against the criteria set out in section 7 of this document on a first come, first served basis. 6 5. Information to help you apply When can I apply? This is a year-long funding programme with a rolling deadline. This means you can apply at any time before applications close on 31 March 2016. However, there is a high demand for our grants and funding is limited; once the total fund has been awarded the programme will close for this financial year, which may be before this date. How many times can I apply? You may only make one application at a time. However, you can apply for more than one course in a single application. When can I apply again? If your application is successful you may not reapply to this fund until 12 months after the date of your offer letter and once your training is complete and all terms and conditions have been met. If your application is unsuccessful you may reapply. Before doing so, we strongly recommend you get advice and more detailed feedback on why your application was unsuccessful. 6. Using the online application form Applications are made using our online application form. Before you begin your application, make sure you have the following information available: The name of your chosen training course/s; The name and address of the training provider; The cost of the training and any additional travel, accommodation and childcare costs if you are eligible to claim them; The dates of your training; Your CV; Confirmation of your acceptance on the course and the course costs (either a company headed letter or email from the training provider); Online copy of the course outline. Step 1 Click here to go to the online application form to start a new application. Step 2 Complete the Eligibility Quiz before moving on. The first page of the application is an eligibility test. If you do not pass this test you will be directed to a Creative Skillset webpage which will give you information on alternative sources of funding. If you do not pass the test but think you are eligible please call the Fund Administrator. The form then guides you through the application step by step and should not take more than 20 minutes to complete. Step 3 Once you have reached the last page of the form and are ready to submit your application, please attach the following supporting documents: 7 CV; Confirmation of your acceptance on the course and the course costs (either a company headed letter or email from the training provider); Online copy of the course outline. If you do not attach these documents, we will not be able to assess your application. For any problems attaching your documents, please call the Fund Administrator. When you have completed the application form and attached your supporting documents you must press the submit icon on your screen. Until you do this, your application has not been submitted to Creative Skillset to be assessed. How do I know that I have successfully completed the online application process? You will automatically be sent a receipt of application email with a tracking number. If you do not receive this, please check your junk mailbox and if it is not there contact the Fund Administrator. Creating your account When you log in for the first time you will be asked to set up your own Creative Skillset Application Account. To do this we simply ask for your name and email address. Your account also enables you to look at your previous online applications if you apply for funding for training in the future. Creative Skillset staff will not have access to your account. Return to an incomplete or previous application If you do not want to complete your application in one session, your account login allows you to save and come back to it when you are ready. Click this link to return to an incomplete application. 7. How will my application be assessed? Assessment criteria All applicants will be assessed using the information in the application form, CV and training details against the following criteria: Your experience in the film industry; Your career aims; Your commitment to your chosen career and potential to succeed in the industry; Evidence of your skills need; Demonstration that the training will have a positive effect on your career; Previous training you may have undertaken; The quality of the training you apply to attend including relevance to current working practices; Whether this training would meet the skills need you have identified in your application. There is a high demand for our funds. We will assess your application against all of these criteria equally, on a first come, first served basis. 8 8. What happens next? You will know if your application has been successful within four weeks of the date your full application and all supporting documents are received by Creative Skillset. If your application is unsuccessful, we will send you a letter outlining the reasons why. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter outlining the offer and our terms and conditions (see below). Accepting the offer letter You must accept the offer within two weeks of the date of the letter.This means signing the offer letter and returning it to us with your bank details. We may also require proof of your address – this will be indicated in your offer letter. Any offers not accepted within two weeks will be withdrawn. Creative Skillset cannot release any funding until we receive your signed offer letter. If we offer you funding for training but you no longer wish to accept it, please let us know in writing by email, fax or post. 9. How will my grant be paid? Your grant will be paid directly into your personal bank account in three stages: Stage 1: 50% of your grant will be paid on receipt of your signed offer letter; Stage 2: a cash flow will be agreed on a case-by-case basis. Stage 2: 20% or 50% of your grant will be withheld and paid on receipt of your online survey (see conditions of Creative Skillset funding for training) and confirmation from the training provider that you have completed the training. Please note that you are responsible for paying the training provider. Creative Skillset does not accept responsibility for transferring money to training providers. Conditions of funding for training All Creative Skillset funding for training grants are subject to the following terms and conditions: The grant may only be used for the training purposes outlined in your application; You will attend the training in its entirety unless there are mitigating circumstances; You will complete all documentation required both before and after you have completed the course(s); You will complete the Creative Skillset online survey within four weeks of the end of your training – your offer letter will detail what to include in your report; You agree to be contacted by Creative Skillset in the future to determine the success of your training in achieving your career aims; You agree to contributing to online activity during the training should this be requested (e.g. tweeting or blogging); You agree to take part in Creative Skillset’s evaluation process if requested. If you do not meet any of the conditions outlined above, Creative Skillset reserves the right to withdraw your grant and may request repayment of funding already released. 9 10. Application timetable You may find it helpful to use this timetable when planning your application for Creative Skillset funding. Date online application and all supporting documents are received by Creative Skillset The date we will use will be the date the last piece of supporting documentation is submitted to us. Once we have all the requested documents your application is passed to the assessors. Remember that for your application to be successful, we must receive it at least one day before the training course is due to start. If you decide to attend training in the meantime Creative Skillset does not accept responsibility for funding your attendance. Please bear in mind that to ensure equality of opportunity we cannot speed up the assessment process. 1 day after your application is received Automated email confirmation that your application has been received – if you have not attached all the supporting documentation, please contact us within two weeks; Your training can start one working day after your application is received. 4 weeks after your application is received Creative Skillset tells you whether or not your application has been successful If successful, you will receive an offer letter – please sign and return this letter to Creative Skillset; If unsuccessful, we will tell you why. 6 weeks after your application is received You must accept an offer within two weeks of the date of the offer letter; When you return the offer letter, you must also send your bank details and your proof of address if we ask for this; Creative Skillset will release the first 50% of your grant when we receive this. 4 weeks after the end of your training You must fill in our online survey and send us proof that you attended the course. Please contact bursaries@creativeskillset.org for a link to the online survey when you are ready to complete it. Creative Skillset will release the final 50% of your grant once we receive the completed survey and proof of attendance. Key dates Applications will close on the 31 March 2016. However, there is a high demand for our grants and funding is limited; once the total fund has been awarded, the programme will close for this financial year, which may be before this date. 10
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