WELCOME TO BIFA SPRINGBOARD

What is BIFA Springboard?

Springboard is a yearly 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 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, in 2021/22 we opened Springboard to non-longlisted filmmakers to offer the 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. Future programmes will offer a similar calibre of guests and take a hybrid approach to offer the opportunity UK wide but with some in-person events.

the 24/25 programme

Running annually since 2020, the 2024/25 iteration is specifically for producers. BIFA Springboard: Producers will offer a mixture of technical and professional training, mentoring, networking and access to resources, so that the participants will be better equipped to deal with the huge variety of challenges they face on a daily basis.

The programme will run from May 2024 until January 2025 and will include a mixture of training sessions, panels, networking and one to one mentoring. You can read about this year’s cohort of producers here.