WELCOME TO BIFA SPRINGBOARD
What is BIFA Springboard?
Running annually since 2020, Springboard is a pioneering programme designed to support writers, directors and producers to continue and develop their careers after producing a first feature.
Over 60% of BIFA longlisted filmmakers do not go on to make a second film and Springboard has been designed in response to a direct need: support for filmmakers beyond first feature success.
Through a variety of workshops, seminars and networking sessions and one-to one mentoring, we supply strategic guidance and hard skills training as well as building a mutually supportive community for talent.
Originally developed to support filmmakers longlisted in Debut Director, Debut Screenwriter, Breakthrough Producer or the Discovery Award categories, we opened Springboard to non-longlisted filmmakers in 2021 to offer opportunity and support more widely.
Sessions in previous years have come from Netflix, Curzon, MUBI, BFI and Creativity Capital and covered topics including financing, sales, distribution, legals, company development and career progression and run alongside networking and skill sharing events. Springboard takes a hybrid approach to offer opportunity UK wide but includes some in-person events.
BIFA SPRINGBOARD: PRODUCERS
The 2024/25 iteration of Springboard was specifically designed for producers. BIFA Springboard: Producers ran from May 2024 until January 2025. You can read about the programme’s cohort of producers here.
BIFA SPRINGBOARD: Genre
BIFA Springboard: Genre – is specifically for producers and writers working in or aspiring to work within Genre and will offer a mixture of technical and professional training, mentoring, networking and access to resources. The programme will run from March to November 2025 and is supported by Anton. You can read about the programme and how to apply here.