Roundhouse Film Fund

Do you have an incredible short film idea? We can help you make it happen and get it screened.

We’re looking to support 3 emerging filmmakers to create new short films exploring social and political issues from their unique perspectives.

About Roundhouse Film Fund

Twice a year the Roundhouse Film Fund commissions 3 micro short films, the Film Fund support is split into two phases:

• Firstly the fund is an opportunity for an early career filmmaker/director to cut their teeth and create a professionally commissioned film. Roundhouse supports the filmmakers through the development, prep and production stages with resources, mentoring and access to kit and studios.

• The second phase is to support the filmmaker and their producer (if they have one) to create a distribution and platforming strategy and their next career steps through mentoring, screening, contacts and platforming. 

Roundhouse Film Fund is supported by the Wiggin Charitable Foundation.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for applications from directors who are 18-25 years old. We encourage application partnerships with producers, but this isn’t necessary. In order to benefit from the distribution strategy phase of the fund, we need producers to be 18-30 years old.

Location – Filmmakers need to be based in the UK. We will accept applications from across the nation however, the awards resources are all based in London, ie Roundhouse Studios and VMI kit house. This will involve some London-based touchpoints as part of the production. And you will need to consider the practicalities of using a London-based kit house. We will ask specific questions on this in the interview to ensure that we can give you the relevant support if you are not London-based. We can only support shoots that take place in the UK.

The Roundhouse Film Fund aims to commission and support a creative and innovative artistic approach to presenting socially relevant films that are entertaining, enlivening and inspiring for audiences. We want to offer a platform for open-minded discussion, radical thinking and balance wherever possible, building on the heritage of the Roundhouse as a platform for cultural revolution.

The fund exists to support the next generation of filmmakers in creating dynamic, experimental content, with the added bonus of providing screening opportunities at Roundhouse and support to get your film into international film festivals.

To be successful you will need to have a strong film idea and the skills/experience you need to make it.

We’re open to all genres of films – from narrative to animation, documentary to experimental – but the film must be under 5 minutes in duration.

Your film should be about social and/or political issues from your perspective. It should reflect the time we are living in now and identify the issue(s) which are most important to you.

What you get: 

• £1000 production budget for you to spend on making your film
• A professional mentor with industry experience and connections, chosen to support your specific needs and ambitions 
• Potential paid for contribution from a Composer via Bucks Music
• Additional in-kind production support from Roundhouse Staff
• Equipment: Access to the Roundhouse in-house camera, sound and lighting kit and/or loan from the kit house VMI up to an insurable value of £100,000*
• The chance to showcase your film at a public screening event programmed by The Roundhouse and then later down the line a Roundhouse supported online launch via Roundhouse channels. 
• Free Roundhouse Creative Studios Membership valid for 12 months from registration
• Your film will be submitted for the Wiggin Emerging Filmmakers Award  Winter 2025. Winner of the award will receive £8,000 to develop their film career. The award will be facilitated by the Roundhouse.
• Winners will also receive mentorship and support from various industry professionals including Wiggin professionals.
• Distribution planning support and masterclasses after the screening.

Do you need any particular skills or experience to take part? 

You will need to already have all the relevant skills necessary to make your film, this is an independent study programme.

However, you will be supported by an experienced professional writer/director who will advise and provide feedback from script to screen.

You will be paired with industry professional mentors who will be able to share their experience and advice, chosen to support your specific needs and ambitions.

How to apply

To apply, please read our Ts and Cs document and our guide on how to write a film treatment and then fill out the application form. Deadline for submissions is on Tuesday 15 July, 9am. 

Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive and our team’s capacity, we will be unable to provide feedback to applicants at this stage.

If you have any questions about the fund or the application process, please do get in touch via media.projects@roundhouse.org.uk.

Key dates

• Tue 15 July – Application deadline 
• 4 and 5 August – Interviews 
• Sat 7 August – Decisions Announced
• 18 August – Production starts
• 12 weeks for Production
• 11 November – Film Delivery
• Week of 1 December – Screening –  TBC 

Roundhouse positive action statement

The Roundhouse champions diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe in a just society and in the benefit for all gained from the richness of diverse experiences and expressions within cultural output.

I’m not sure I can afford to take part

If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support. If you are using a bursary to pay for the project, please ensure you arrange this with the Advice Base with plenty of time before the start of the project.

I HAVE ADDITIONAL NEEDS. WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?

We are committed to supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse young people, those with medical conditions, access requirements or any lived experience that may require adaptation, support or sensitivity. If there is anything you would like to let us (our youth workers, tutors or staff) know that will support your enjoyment and access, you can do so by emailing us at advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk, and we will contact you to discuss further how to best support your engagement.