Here’s How to Break Into the British Film Industry

The British film industry is split into several key sectors:

Production: This includes feature films, short films, documentaries, and television dramas.

Distribution: Distributors get the projects into cinemas and onto streaming services. 

Exhibition: This includes cinemas and film festivals, which are crucial for showcasing films to the public and industry insiders.

Funding and support: Several organisations provide filmmakers with financial support and development schemes, including the British Film Institute (BFI), Creative Scotland, the Northern Ireland Screen Fund, and the Welsh Government’s Creative Industries Fund.

Understanding how these different elements work together will help you identify which areas of the industry you want to focus on – which, in turn, will help you plan your path into jobs in the cinema industry.

Formal training isn’t essential for breaking into the UK film industry, but many filmmakers benefit from studying the theory behind their craft. Film schools and university degrees can provide a foundation in filmmaking techniques as well as the technical aspects of production, and you’ll leave with a ready-made network of budding film contacts as well as a qualification.

While formal education is useful, practical experience is equally highly valued in the UK film industry. The more on-the-ground experience you gain, the better you’ll understand the filmmaking process and the industry’s inner workings, and the better you’ll be at the technical parts of the role you’re learning, whether that’s directing, cinematography, or anything else.

Here are a few ways to get that experience:

• Volunteer on student and indie films

One of the best ways to get started is by working on independent films or as part of a student production. These opportunities give you exposure to the production process, allow you to network with other aspiring filmmakers, and help you build a portfolio. Websites like Shooting People and Production Base often list independent productions looking for volunteers.

• Intern with a production company

Many UK production companies offer internships, which can provide you with invaluable experience. These internships are often competitive and have a lengthy application process, but if you manage to land one, it’ll give you insights into the professional world of filmmaking. LinkedIn and X are good platforms to find out about internships, as are the websites of the organisations providing them, like the BBC, Channel 4, or the Walt Disney Company. 

• Film festivals and competitions

If you’ve made a film, congratulations! Now it’s time to get it out there. Submit your work to film festivals and competitions. Not only does this help get your name out there, but it also helps you connect with industry professionals. You never know, you could even end up winning an award, which will work wonders for your film industry profile. Key UK-based festivals include Raindance and Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Having a succinct portfolio featuring your best work clips is a crucial part of getting noticed in the film industry. It should include a body of work that demonstrates your skills and creativity.

Here are some tips for building and sharing that portfolio:

• Create short films: These can be low-budget productions, but they should reflect your abilities and personal vision. Short films are a stepping stone to larger projects and can be entered into film festivals.
• Include other relevant work: Include any work that showcases your filmmaking skills, such as music videos, documentaries, or corporate films.
• Collate your materials online: Uploading your portfolio to platforms like Vimeo or your personal website make it easy to share your work with industry professionals. 
• Use it like a business card: Share a link to your portfolio with people you meet at industry events. You never know where it may lead.

Go to as many film industry events as you can. Film festivals, workshops, seminars, and industry mixers are excellent places to meet people who can help you advance your career. The BFI London Film Festival, the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), and the UK Film Awards attract leading industry professionals and are great opportunities for networking. You’ll also pick up tips and tricks about filmmaking, funding, and a wealth of other things in the speeches and conversations you’ll hear.

Join online communities like Shooting People, Stage 32, or LinkedIn to meet other filmmakers and industry professionals. These platforms are excellent for building your network and finding potential collaborators, as well as for providing you with notifications about upcoming competitions or funding opportunities.

Find a mentor within the industry who can guide you through the process of starting your career. The BFI Film Academy and ScreenSkills sometimes offer mentoring schemes for emerging filmmakers. You could also put yourself out there on social media, explain who you are and what you’re trying to do, and ask for help. You never know who might step up to help you.

Funding is one of the biggest hurdles for aspiring filmmakers. Fortunately, the UK has several funding options for both short and feature films.

1. BFI

The BFI is one of the primary sources of public funding for films in the UK. It offers development funds, production funds, and distribution support. The BFI Network specifically helps emerging filmmakers by offering funding, workshops, and networking events using money from the National Lottery.

2. National and regional funds

Various national and regional organisations support filmmakers. In England, the BFI is the main source of funding, while Creative Scotland offers funding to Scottish filmmakers and production companies, Ffilm Cymru Wales provides funding for filmmakers based in Wales, and Northern Ireland Screen supports filmmakers from Northern Ireland.

3. Crowdfunding 

Crowdfunding has become a popular way for filmmakers to raise money for their projects, with Veronica Mars, for example, reportedly gaining over $5 million from supporters. While you may not raise quite that much, platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe will allow you to pitch your project to potential backers and, hopefully, raise the funds you need to get started.

4. Film tax relief

The UK government offers Film Tax Relief (FTR) to film production companies, and while it’s not exactly funding, it relates to how you can keep as much of your funding for your filmmaking as possible. FTR allows filmmakers to claim back a portion of their production costs, which can be reinvested in the film or future projects. Make sure you understand how to qualify for FTR if you’re looking to produce a film in the UK.

A final note on funding: If you’re trying to produce a period drama set in various global locations with a cast of hundreds, you’ll be facing an uphill struggle. For your first few projects, make choices that you have a realistic chance of getting funding for. Smaller casts, less computer generated imagery (CGI), and easily, freely accessible locations will all help to keep costs down.

Breaking into the film industry takes time, effort, and perseverance, but by following these steps, you can set yourself up for success. Build your network, gain experience, and stay informed about industry trends. With determination and the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to forging a career in the UK film industry.