FAQs

Matthew Rhys in 'Death Comes to Pemberley', made with investment from the Yorkshire Content Fund.

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Do I have to attend every programme activity?

Yes, you will be required to ideally attend all sessions, which form part of the programme. We understand that occasionally there may be circumstances, e.g. illness, unexpected caring responsibilities or last-minute changes in your work plan, that will prevent you from attending the training. In such cases the Beyond Brontës team needs to be notified as soon as possible and in advance of the session if at all possible.

Can I apply if I live outside of West Yorkshire?

If you live just outside of West Yorkshire and you are determined to take up work within West Yorkshire and the majority of your previous work and/or education was in West Yorkshire, then we may be able to consider your application. Acceptance to the course will be subject to approval by our funders and we highly recommend to get in touch with the Beyond Brontës team at training@screenyorkshire.co.uk before the application deadline to discuss whether an exception to the West Yorkshire rule is possible.

Is this course free?

For most people this course will be for free. If you are currently employed by a company within the screen industries, please get in contact with the team (training@screenyorkshire.co.uk), as a small fee may apply.

How much experience do I need?

We’re looking for writers with professional experience. You’ll have writing credits or have work published by reputable third parties (e.g. magazines). Alternatively, if you have worked with scripts or narratives before but in a different capacity, we’re open to hearing from you. Unfortunately we can’t accept applications from novice writers or those on creative writing courses unless this is supplemented with professional experience or credits.

Do I need to have an audio drama idea already?

Yes. You will need to have an idea for a drama that meets our brief already. It might not be an idea that you envisaged for audio. We’ll work with you to develop that idea into a full treatment and be audio-first (i.e. developed with the audio medium in mind).

Will I need to be available full time?

No. The programme is part-time. You will need to commit to the timings detailed above but how you complete the work in between mentor check-ins is up to you. With the exception of the cohort day, the check-ins can be remote (via online conference calls), depending on where you live.

How much will I be paid?

Those selected for the programme will be paid £5,000. This payment is for your time to write the treatment and first episode (along with any expenses) and will be paid in two instalments, 50% at the start of the programme and 50% at the end.

What will I produce at the end of the programme?

At the end of LOOP, your original idea will be developed for audio and you will have a full treatment (approximately 10-15 pages) and a draft first episode script, ready to take to an audio commissioner or distributor.

How are applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed by a panel of professionals working in the audio and drama industries. They are reviewed against how well they meet the brief and their potential for creating a compelling audio property.

Will I get feedback if I’m unsuccessful?

Sadly, due to the high number of applications we receive, we will not be able to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Will I be refunded for any travel and expenses?

Successful applicants will be paid a total of £5,000 for their time and any expenses they incur as part of their participation in the programme. No additional funds will be paid to cover travel and expenses incurred as a result of their participation in the programme.

Will there be opportunities for industry networking?

Those selected for LOOP will meet a variety of people involved in the audio industry, and will also meet each other at the Cohort Day.

Who owns the IP at the end of LOOP?

All IP will remain with the writer at the end of LOOP. However, as part of joining the programme, you will grant Free Turn an 18 month exclusive option to further develop and produce the property (with you), with terms negotiated in good faith at the end of the programme.

Where and when will LOOP be held?

The Cohort Day will be held in Leeds during the week of 3rd July 2023. All other sessions can be remote (online). Sessions will be scheduled during the weeks detailed above and around the availability of the mentors and the participant.

Will LOOP just run this year?

It’s our ambition to run LOOP in subsequent years, but for now 2023 is the only confirmed year LOOP will be running.

Can we enter as a writing partnership or team?

Yes, but we can only offer one payment of £5,000 per idea, so you would have to share the funds. However if you have co-created an idea and wish to enter as a pair, you can. Include details in the form about each of the applicants careers to date.

How much experience do I need for ScriptEd?

The training is to address the lack of diversity of script editors and challenge barriers around access, while helping to tackle the ongoing skills gap in the talent pipeline. The programme is aimed at those already operating in an editorial capacity, however applicants can be working in or outside of the screen industries. They might range from early career to emerging professionals who require access/want to pivot into script editing. We do not require you to have a certain number of credits, but you will need to demonstrate a solid understanding of the dynamics of storytelling. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate how their participation will help shift the dial on underrepresentation in the screen sector.

Will I get paid for ScriptEd?

Lunch and refreshments will be provided at in-person training sessions and we will reimburse reasonable costs to travel to these sessions. Participants who take part in the placement aspect of the programme will also receive a £500 bursary.

How are applications reviewed?

Applications will be assessed by our Talent Development Team without any identifying information attached. Interviews will be carried out by the same team on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th October via Zoom. We are looking for a clear and demonstrable understanding of story and a keen interest in development.

What is the goal of ScriptEd? Where will I be at the end?

Our training scheme works to address the lack of diversity by providing a network for the cohort as well as harnessing/developing their skills & boosting confidence to apply for and work in the role of a script editor. Those who complete the placement aspect of the programme will be added to the Screen Yorkshire crew database. All participants should gain the following: A deeper understanding of the script cycle in a professional setting within the screen industry; developed confidence and skills as a professional script editor and the ability to work directly with writers and in an editorial team; an increased network of contacts, potentially linking directly to employability.

What if I don't fit into a Writer, Director or Producer role?

We understand that people fit into multiple roles and disciplines but for the purpose of Flex we ask you to choose the one that aligns best with your skillset from the given categories. However, we are also aware that people are now cross-disciplinary. Therefore, we are open to people who work in avenues other than screen who are able to evidence their work in the application form. For example, if you are a theatre director, please apply and showcase your work through reviews or footage. With the agile nature of Flex we want to be open to all visual art forms so please do not see this as a boundary to submitting an application.

How are teams formed?

On FLEX, we aim to replicate real-world creative development. This means we want people to form teams by coalescing around ideas and stories they feel passionate about, rather than accepting pre formed teams (other than writing duos). Teams are created on FLEX with the support of several facilitated sessions where you can get to know one another, share your vision, and connect. We also run a values and FLEX induction 2-day session, where team formation will be a core focus.

Are there any restrictions on what the team development bursary can be spent on?

Each team will be expected to provide a mini development budget outlining costings which will need to be approved ahead of receiving the bursary. The bursary is intended to go towards time needed for script development, research etc. The bursary is allocated to the whole writer/director/producer team, rather than one particular member, due to the creative collaborative nature of the programme. However we recognise that the bulk of the work usually lies with the writer in the development stage, and encourage teams to also appreciate this when allocating their budgets. Screen Yorkshire retains the right to withdraw some/all of the bursary if given reason to do so.

I am a writer and I work with a writing partner; can we apply together?

Yes, you must complete a joint application form. We will consider writing duos as a joint application. We ask that you submit two script examples of no more than 5 pages each in duration, that you have worked on together. Please note that you can only apply as part of a writing duo or individually; Flex does not allow for multiple applications. In the event that you apply as a duo, you will still be expected to work in the same Writer/Producer/Director dynamic, therefore your overall team size will increase.

Does this programme count as a state subsidy?

Successful applicants will not receive any direct cash funding for this programme of activity, the SIGN project at the University of York will pay the programme facilitators, Prox and Reverie, directly on behalf of the companies that will participate in the programme. The successful applicants will be asked to sign an agreement to commit them to participating in the programme and confirm that they are eligible to participate. This programme is funded using a public grant from Research England Development Fund and companies will not be charged to attend the programme. Because companies participating in the programme will receive training and resources that they could potentially use to their own commercial advantage, under the UK Subsidy Control Bill, participation in this programme is counted as the company receiving ‘minimal financial assistance’ (section 36 of the Subsidy Control Bill). If your application is successful, your company will receive written confirmation of the gross value equivalent of attending the training (how much it would have otherwise cost to pay for the training yourself) before the programme starts and also at the end of your participation in the programme. At the application stage, you will be asked to confirm that you are eligible to receive this equivalent assistance and that this will not exceed the maximum amount of financial assistance your company may receive within a defined period (see section 36 of the Subsidy Control Bill for information about minimal financial assistance). The gross value equivalent financial assistance that companies will receive in participating in this programme will be £17,200.00.

I’m not a TV or Film company: can I apply?

This opportunity is for established TV and Film companies with a portfolio of projects and productions, who are looking to learn about Virtual Production and apply these tools to the development of active TV and Film projects. As such it is not suited to companies who produce screen content that is not TV or Film.

Who will decide which companies are included in this Programme?

Shortlisting and selection will be decided by representatives of Screen Yorkshire, SIGN and Prox and Reverie.

Who are the key people involved in delivering this Programme?

Producer: John Rose-Adams, SIGN and XR Stories. Responsible for overall effectiveness of the Programme. Programme Leader: Martin Taylor, Prox and Reverie. Responsible for Programme content. Programme Manager: Emma Whittaker, Prox and Reverie. Responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the Programme Communications: Rachel McWatt, Screen Yorkshire. First point of contact for all press and marketing about the Programme

What are the learning outcomes?

By the end of the programme, participants will have:

Gained skills and knowledge to take their vision further using Virtual Production technique
A suite of visual materials for pitching their project toward production
3D assets and reference materials that can be moved directly into the production process

Where will the programme take place?

Workshops during the programme will take place at Prox & Reverie’s facility The Forge, in Doncaster. Remote collaboration in between workshops will happen virtually with the Prox & Reverie team.

What’s expected in terms of outputs and reporting?

Companies involved with the Programme will be expected to contribute their reflections and learning as part of the Programme workshops, and on completion of the projects. In addition, we plan to publish a White Paper on Remote Control, Virtual Production for Film and TV Development, including our assessment of the value of virtual production techniques to early-stage projects and pre-production. At the end of the programme all the collated feedback and data will be analysed and reported within a White Paper Field Guide. In particular the report will reference:

The benefits of using VR in TV & Film Production
Any challenges or restrictions of using VR in TV & Film Production
Wider benefits and added value
How future training programmes can be developed and improved to promote the use of VR

How do I apply?

Applications must be made through the Submittable platform. Links to the platform can be found on this application page.

Do I get help in preparing the application?

We cannot help individual companies write their applications, but we are happy to answer any questions you have. Email: enquiries@screen-network.org.uk with “Virtual Production Programme Question” in the subject line.

Who can apply for Beyond Brontës?

To be eligible for the Beyond Brontës programme, you must be:

• Be over the age of 19 by 30th of June
• Live in one of the following West Yorkshire districts: Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, or Wakefield
• Meet at least one diversity criteria. Beyond Brontës is an access programme with the aim of supporting those with identities or characteristics that are under-represented in the industry. Please see next question for a description of some of the characteristics we consider as underrepresented.
• Be available to take on at least temporary, short-term employment, or full employment within 6 months after completing the course.
• Have not taken part in a Skills Connect course previously

Who is Flex for?

Flex is an innovative, creative development programme for UK based Writers, Directors and Producers. You can apply as an individual or as a writing duo. We welcome applications that will help us to bring together different perspectives and ways of working. Successful applicants to Flex will be accepted onto and work on the first phase of the programme as individuals. We will provide support for ideation and to encourage creative collaboration, then it is the cohort’s responsibility to form themselves into teams. We believe this is the most organic way to encourage newly formed creative teams to coalesce around an idea. We will support this process as much as we are able. However, in the unusual circumstances that an individual is not able to collaborate to form a team Screen Yorkshire reserves the right to end participation. Please note at least one person within the team needs to reside or work in Yorkshire and Humber and individuals can only attach themselves to one project and team regardless of their role.

I’m not from Yorkshire and the Humber, can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply to Flex if you are from outside Yorkshire and Humber. However, SIGN & Screen Yorkshire want to secure the very best creative individuals to help make the region future-facing. Therefore, a minimum of one member of the creative team on Flex has to be from Yorkshire and Humber. If you live outside of this region and want to apply as an individual or writing duo, you can do. Writing duos with one member residing or working in Yorkshire and Humber are also able to apply. Please note it is up to creative teams to ensure one member of the team fulfils the Yorkshire and Humber participant criteria.

Who has Intellectual Property over the ideas/content we produce during the programme?

The development process for Flex will involve world building, series outlines, and possibly script creation. We have found - while it is a collaboratively creative programme - the core of this work involves written content. In line with the Writers Guild of Great Britain, IP in these circumstances would normally rest with the writer. However, we recognise that a programme like Flex encourages producers and directors to be more proactively involved in the development process than under normal circumstances. We will support teams to ensure that appropriate credits and recognition of work are contractually embedded once projects have been developed. During the programme itself Screen Yorkshire will reserve 50% of the IP at which end point all of the IP will revert back to the key creative/team. At the conclusion of the programme Screen Yorkshire & SIGN will reserve the right for a development credit.

Do we apply with an idea / Are you looking for a particular genre or type of story?

For the purposes of Flex, we are not accepting predeveloped scripts or ideas. We want teams to explore unique ideas together, to take creative risks, and push boundaries with expectations around scripted narratives on screen. The programme will facilitate this journey through a series of sessions and bespoke support.

What happens if our filmmaking team falls out with each other along the way?

We’ll do all we can to help you resolve any issues but at the end of the day it’s your project and you’ll have to find a way of pushing it through the various development stages. In the unfortunate event that a member of the team does drop out or is asked to stand aside, we'll assist you in finding a replacement but will reserve the right to approve who they are. In the event that we can’t agree, then we’ll have the right to put the project into turnaround.

What do we mean by ‘emerging creative talent’?

We welcome applications from participants who have already produced some sort of creative content by the time they apply for Flex. This development initiative is focused on innovative, creative content that challenges the status quo. We don’t want to stipulate a time frame we expect you to have accrued within your career if you have great ideas to bring to us. However, Flex is not for the very new or inexperienced. We need participants to be clear about what role they see themselves in and understand what responsibilities this entails. We expect professionalism, and a level of confidence and proven ability to be on the programme so we can really open doors to new ways of storytelling.

Will I get paid for Flex?

Each team will receive a joint development bursary. This is intended to support the development and time needed to generate your ideas within the team and write your scripted material. We will also do our best to cover reasonable expenses where applicable.

How long does the programme run for?

7 Months, July 2022– end of Feb 2023. All participants must commit to the full duration of this programme. Please refer to the indicative schedule on this application page. The sessions will be a blended mixture of virtual and in-person. We are keen for Flex to be bespoke for each team but this indicative schedule gives an idea of how the programme is meant to progress. We will try and structure sessions and programme elements as flexibly as possible, i.e. evenings, lunch time slots etc, however all participants are expected to commit to the final programme timetable and deliverables. Please note we will be running a minimum of 3 in-person sessions across the duration of the programme, which will require an overnight stay for those living further away from the venue (this cost will be covered by FLEX). The dates for these sessions are in the indicative schedule. While we offer flexibility to all of our participants these dates are in place to support team development, skills and project development and are a core element of the programme. We expect all participants to attend wherever possible. In light of this, we want to be clear that we understand people have personal, caring, and employment responsibilities. Many of our previous cohort worked and/or had caring responsibilities alongside the programme. The workload on FLEX does require an intense focus at times. On FLEX we purposefully enable each team to structure their team work around their own schedules. We will do everything we can to support you whilst also being fully transparent about workloads. We ask that anyone applying considers how they will balance this, especially as once teams are formed you will have deadline deliverables (see indicative schedule). If you have questions around this please come along to our Q&A or email us at flex@screenyorkshire.co.uk

I have dependents / I am a carer; will this programme be suitable for me?

Yes! We welcome applications from parents/carers. Where we can, we intend to support, remove obstacles and allow flexibility for our participants regardless of backgrounds. We will assess support with costs associated to caring responsibilities, or other essential needs, based on the individual needs of participants. This support would be in addition to the team development bursary.

What is the goal of Flex? Where will I be at the end?

Flex is innovative and therefore we are open minded about where participants, and projects, will end up. To a large extent we encourage teams to define their own deliverables and goals. However we expect the process to produce some sort of professional standard, market-ready material that is suitable for next stage development. Our previous cohort's deliverables ranged from series outlines, developed ideas involving agile wraparound content, fully formed worlds, character development, pitch documents, visual mood boards and first episode scripts. We also aim to increase confidence & skills around team building, the creative process, pitching, a deeper sense of the development process, ideation and current market awareness.

How do I know if I am under-represented in the screen industries and eligible for Beyond Brontës?

Beyond Brontës intention is to redress the issue of under-representation in the screen industries by aiding under-represented individuals with protected characteristics to enter the industry. Therefore, we encourage applicants who identify with having a protected characteristic that may be under-represented in the industry to apply for the programme. Some of these protected characteristics are: gender, race/ethnicity, age, disability, LGBTQ+ identity, religion, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership. There is more information on protected characteristics here: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/equality-act/protected-characteristics We also welcome applications from people who are from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, those based in areas with poor transport links and any other access challenges. If you are unsure if you are under-represented in the screen industries there is further information here: https://www.bfi.org.uk/sites/bfi.org.uk/files/downloads/bfi-workforce-diversity-in-uk-screen-sector-evidence-review-2018-03.pdf (see pp. 31-39), or please get in touch with the team: training@screenyorkshire.co.uk

I’m working, can I fit this job around work or education?

Ultimately it is a personal decision whether you can balance the programme with other responsibilities and commitments. Our sessions will take place part-time on weekdays.

Can I reapply for Beyond Brontës?

Yes – we encourage applicants to reapply for the programme if they have not been previously successful.

What experience do I need to join the course?

While there is no expectation that you will have any experience in Film, TV, VFX, Virtual Production, Animation or Games, you will have gained useful experience and transferable skills in previous jobs or education, which will come in useful for employment in the screen industries.

What is considered as "available for employment"?

Available for employment covers any paid employment, including:

• Being available to take on paid work placements up to four weeks in duration
• Dailies (one-to-two day experiences) work on set
• Freelance work servicing or within the screen industries
• Short-term or long-term contracts within the industry
• Work in related industries such as Marketing, Distribution, Cinema Exhibition

Who can act as my referees?

You should provide either an academic or employer reference and indicate on your application form the capacity in which you know this person.

Am I able to amend my application once it’s been submitted?

We ask that you check your application through thoroughly to make sure there are no mistakes before you submit. You cannot amend your application once it has been submitted. If you need to make changes to your telephone number, email address or living address, you can email training@screenyorkshire.co.uk and ask for these changes to be made.

Do I have to be based in Yorkshire to apply?

As long as you are UK resident and have the right to work in the UK you are eligible to apply for these courses, however please note each of the course locations and the fact that we are unable to contribute to accommodation, travel or subsistence costs. We particularly encourage applications from those who already live, work and/or study in Yorkshire, and expect those not living in Yorkshire to show commitment to working in the region.

I’m not yet 18, can I apply for one of the courses?

You can apply for our craft courses if your 18th birthday falls on or before the 6th February 2023.

I’m over 18 but can’t afford the course fees, what can I do?

If you are aged 18 by 6th February 2023 then you may be eligible for partial bursary support for part of your course fees. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please fill out the bursary application form linked to on the course page. We will not ask you to accept any offer of a place until we have confirmed the amount of bursary support you will receive. Bursaries are not available for the Hair and Make-Up course as there is no course fee for this course, apart from up to £250 material costs for the entire course. Payment plans are also available to those who pay fees.

I am already studying/have a degree. Does that make me ineligible?

No, so long as your current course of study will be completed before the start of the course you are applying for. Please make sure you are aware of any course specific minimum qualifications, you can find this information in the course outlines For example, to be eligible to apply for the Hair and Make-Up course you will need a related degree or other relevant qualification.

How long is the commitment to the course?

All courses take place between April and July 2023. Trainees should note that learning commitments throughout this period are full-time (approximately 20hrs per week), and there are no intended term breaks and full-time commitment will also be expected during the planned placements.

I’m receiving benefits. If I’m on one of the courses will this put my benefits at risk?

There are various benefits that can be claimed with specific regulations and rules on what might affect your benefit claim. The best way to assess your query, would be to visit your local Department of Work and Pensions or alternatively, contact them. Details for contacting your relevant claim department by telephone, can be found here: https://customerservicecontactnumber.uk/dwp/

English isn’t my first language, can I still apply/take part?

We would suggest that you apply in English to the best of your ability. However, please note that all of the courses will be taught in English and require lots of interaction. Before applying we advise applicants to consider whether their language skills will enable them to engage with confidence and fully benefit from the learning.

I’m studying at University/have a degree. Does that make me ineligible?

Regardless of whether your degree is related to the screen industries:

If you have graduated from university/ college, and do not currently have an established career in the screen industries, you are eligible to apply.
If you are currently studying in your first/ second year of a degree, you are unfortunately not eligible for the course.
If you are in your final year and will graduate directly before/ just after the start of the programme, you are eligible to apply.

I’m new to the screen industries. Where can I find out about job roles in Film, TV, VFX, Virtual Production, Animation and Games?

Beyond Brontes will introduce you to a wide range of jobs in the screen industries. However, for further information, please refer here:myfirstjobinfilm.com/UK/resources/careers-guide

I’m receiving benefits. Will the programme affect them?

Will I be trained in a particular field of the screen industries?

Beyond Brontës will provide various resources to help the selected cohort gain knowledge, skills and confidence in the industry overall, in addition to supporting individuals’ tailored career interests so they can take on a first job in the screen industries. Where we can, we will cater to help individuals gain access and insight into their field of interest. However participants will be required to interact with the whole programme and applicants must show a commitment to starting a career in the screen industries and be available to take on at least temporary, short-term employment, or full employment within 6 months after completing the course.

How long is the commitment to the course?

We are stipulating 6 months as the minimum and 12 months as the maximum engagement time for the course. We want to support those who may face barriers so some flexibility will be available and can be further assessed when the cohort is selected.

Do I have to do everything the Beyond Brontës programme outlines?

There are some mandatory sessions and we would love to see you at as many sessions as possible. However, you can choose to attend these other sessions based on your needs and interests! This is why we do a skills audit early on, to find out what you’re interested in and how we can help you explore this.

I’m studying at University/have a degree. Does that make me ineligible?

No - the programme intends to help those who wish to enter the screen industries. You can apply for Beyond Brontës whether or not you have a degree, regardless of whether that degree is relevant to the screen industries or not. Unless you already have an established career in the screen industries, as a freelancer or other, you can apply. If you are studying part time or you will have finished your studies by the time the Beyond Brontes programme finishes, you will be considered. Please get in touch if you are unsure.

I’m not from a working class and/or BAME background. Am I still eligible to apply?

The programme is not solely aimed at those from working class and/or BAME backgrounds. Beyond Brontës aims to redress the issue of many people with protected characteristics not being represented in the screen industries. There is further information on under-representation and protected characteristics in the answer to 'How do I know if I am under-represented in the screen industries and eligible for Beyond Brontës?'

I’m not in the 18-24 age bracket, but want to be on the programme. Is that possible?

No - Beyond Brontës is designed for people aged 18-24 to help those entering both the screen industries and the careers sector for the first time, we are building soft and hard skills for people who have not had the opportunity to gain that experience. For those from a different age bracket, get in touch with us and we will be happy to share industry advice more suited to your needs.

I’m from Leeds City Region, but based outside of it. Can I still take part?

No - you must be residing within Leeds City Region at present to take part in the scheme. Beyond Brontës, its funders and supporters only have resources for those currently residing within Leeds City Region.

Do I have to be based in Leeds City Region?

You must live in the Leeds City Region area to be eligible. This includes the following cities and districts (view map) Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield, Kirklees, Calderdale in West Yorkshire Selby, Craven, Harrogate and York in North Yorkshire Barnsley in South Yorkshire. More information about the boundary lines can be found here: https://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/growing-the-economy/leeds-city-region-infrastructure-map/

If I decide to base my project in Yorkshire and Humber in order to access the Yorkshire Content Fund, what other support will I receive?

Screen Yorkshire has managed investment funds and supported the creative industries within the region for over fifteen years so we can offer other support or put you in touch with other organisations. If you need studios, locations, crew, facilities, office space, or other suppliers we can help you source these or point you in the direction of someone that can.

How are projects evaluated and what type of project is likely to receive investment from the Yorkshire Content Fund?

The success of the Yorkshire Content Fund is measured on the commercial return to the fund overall and of individual projects. Therefore Screen Yorkshire, as fund manager, will be evaluating projects on this basis – market value, recoupment position, risk and overall fit within the investment portfolio. We will look for evidence of market value such as having a sales agent attached, sales projections, UK and other distribution deals, broadcaster commission, analysis of comparable projects, along with risk factors such as the previous experience of the applicants. Secondly, we will consider broader benefits to the region such as production spend within the region and contribution towards overall growth of the sector within Yorkshire and Humber.

Who will decide which projects receive investment from the fund?

Screen Yorkshire’s Head of Investments manages the fund and makes recommendations to the Investment Committee that has ultimate responsibility for funding decisions. An Audit Committee ensures that all decisions are taken independently, and conform to the Operating Guidelines and the Investment Policy. The investment performance and processes of the Yorkshire Content Fund are monitored by an Independent Advisory Panel.

What are the terms of finance for the Yorkshire Content Fund?

No public monies are being used to fund the overheads of operating the YCF, therefore the YCF will charge an arrangement fee along with a backend premium and/or a share of profits. Any investment must be matched with equal private investment and on identical recoupment terms to that private investment. The fund aims to recoup so there will a legacy fund for future investments. For all projects we would also expect the budget to include all costs to complete delivery to all markets and end users.

Does the company need to be established prior to making an application to the Yorkshire Content Fund?

No, if a new company is to be established then an application can be submitted prior to the company registration process. The establishment of the company would be a condition of receiving investment from the YCF. If the company is wholly or partly owned by another company then the parent company’s details must be added in the relevant section of the application form.

Do I have to live in Yorkshire & Humber to apply to the Yorkshire Content Fund?

The project must take place in the region, employ people within the region and be managed by a registered company located in Yorkshire and Humber. The fund is open to companies already based in the region or companies looking to establishing a new entity in Yorkshire and Humber. Investments will be made only once a new entity has been established. Only SMEs (<250 employees; and < 50m euros turnover or <43m euros balance sheet) can apply for finance from the fund.

Do I need to have the private match finance in place before I apply to the Yorkshire Content Fund?

We will always need the private match finance to be in place by the time a full application is received. However, we appreciate that you may not have a firm commitment of finance at the time of the expression of interest.

What type of finance can be used to match against the fund?

Any type of private finance from banks to personal funds, as well as specialist industry financiers or sales or distribution advances, provided the finance is independent of the company to be invested in. Companies’ own funds or those of Directors and Shareholders, or their immediate relatives, does not count as match. Other public finance does not count as match so investment from public bodies or companies established with a public charter such as the BFI and the BBC cannot be counted. Investment from these financiers can form part of the project financing but is not considered eligible match finance. Equally private investment that is not on identical terms does not count as match, such as broadcast licenses and gap finance or distributor advances that take an exclusive priority position. Loans do not count as match.

How does the Yorkshire Content Fund Invest?

The YCF is a co-investment fund; this means that it can only invest where there is at least an equal amount of private finance to match the YCF investment. This co-investment must be on identical terms prorate and paripassu (all receipts due to co-investors must be received at the same time in absolute proportion to the amount invested by each party). The YCF can match private investment in project equity; gap finance; mezzanine finance; cashflowing against UK tax credit, broadcaster or distributor contracts; or amix of the above.

Can the Yorkshire Content Fund invest in Development?

The fund can invest in games development but does not invest in the development of film and television projects.

What can the Yorkshire Content Fund Invest in?

It can invest in projects within the screen industries sectors within the Yorkshire and Humber region. The fund invests in the production of content but cannot invest directly in companies. It is unlikely we will invest in short films, pilots or any project where there is not a clear and definable expectation that we will recoup our investment.

How much can the Yorkshire Content Fund invest in a project?

The fund will not commonly invest more than £500,000. The fund normally invests no more than 10-15% of te budget of a production. There is no minimum investment, but the fund will not normally consider investments of less than £10,000.

What is the purpose of the Yorkshire Content Fund?

The fund exists to address the issue of a lack of access to capital for screen industries companies that need to part-finance the production of projects. It aims to make a return on its investment in order to be able to continue to support these industries within the region. It also aims to create jobs and increase the GVA (Gross Value Added) of the successful applicant companies. Job creation and regional spend will be monitored throughout the project.

What is the Yorkshire Content Fund?

It is a fund managed by Screen Yorkshire to invest in the production of content within the film, TV, video games and digital sectors within the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Do you offer apprenticeships?

We are not able to offer apprenticeships at Screen Yorkshire

Do you offer internships?

We are currently not able to offer internships at Screen Yorkshire. If opportunities do occur in the future we would post these on our website and via social media

Do you offer a script reading service?

Screen Yorkshire does not currently offer a script reading service.

Can you tell me who to send my idea to?

If your project is ready to go into production and you have raised most of the financing, take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions in our Funding section to find out about next steps. If you’re looking for project development support for a film idea (including non-traditional forms of filmmaking), try contacting the BFI at https://network.bfi.org.uk/funding-available

Can I come and look around the studios?

You can contact all the studios directly if you would like to arrange a visit to look around. Contact details for each of the studios are available on their individual websites, which you can find in our Filming in Yorkshire section.

How do I enquire about filming at the studios?

You can explore the region's studios in our Filming in Yorkshire section. If you would like to enquire about filming at any of the studios, contact Richard or Chris in our Film Office.

Do you issue filming permits?

Screen Yorkshire works in partnership with local authorities in Yorkshire and Humber regarding film permits. Please contact Chris Hordley or Richard Knight in our Film Office Team who can discuss your filming permit requirements with you and advise

Do you offer development funding?

Screen Yorkshire does not currently offer development funding. If you’re interested in development funding, head to BFI Net.Work. You can find out more about what’s available here: https://network.bfi.org.uk/funding-available

Do you fund short films?

Screen Yorkshire does not currently offer funding for short films. If you’re interested in funding for a short film, try the BFI site. You can find out more here: https://network.bfi.org.uk/funding-available

How do I apply for funding?

Screen Yorkshire invests in TV, feature film, video games and digital projects through our Yorkshire Content Fund (YCF). You can find out more about the YCF and how to apply in our Funding section.

Can you give me some advice on my film career?

For advice on your film career try www.screenskills.com. If you’re looking for training initiatives run by Screen Yorkshire, visit the Skills & Training section.

Do you run training schemes?

You can find out more about the training schemes we run in our Training & Skills section.

Do you hire photographers?

The majority of images on our site are publicity photographs taken by photographers hired by each of the individual productions. If you are interested in bringing your existing photography skills to the world of film and television, visit www.screenskills.com for advice on entering the industry.

Do you offer work experience?

We are currently unable to offer work experience opportunities at Screen Yorkshire

Do you have an actors database?

There are several Yorkshire-based actors’ agencies where you can find local actors for your production or make contact if you yourself are an actor. Search online for ‘actors in Yorkshire’.

Can I register as an Extra?

There are numerous Extras casting agencies available, either based in - or covering - the region. The easiest way to find them is through an online search using the terms ‘film and TV extras’ or ‘supporting artists’. You can then register with the relevant agency.

Do you have any jobs / vacancies?

You can find any jobs we have available on our Jobs page.