Slick Films, in association with the Bolton Film Festival, proudly announces the “Slick Films Fund” with a grand prize of £10,000 and an array of invaluable industry resources. The fund is designed to discover and nurture emerging talent in the short film sector and support the next generation of filmmakers.
Watch the promo video here:
The fund includes a special category exclusively for first-time filmmakers for a prize of £3,000, ensuring a broad support spectrum for creative voices.
The main prize winner will also receive mentorship from Slick Films Academy Award® winners Chris Overton and Rachel Shenton, consultations with London Flair PR, Adrian Barber of Bolton Film Festival and NITV for distribution, an in-depth festival strategy crafted by Festival Formula, a full technical DCP package from Cinebox, and a feature in Directors Notes.
A Double Opportunity for Emerging Filmmakers
Starting on April 15th, filmmakers are invited to submit their scripts in PDF format, not exceeding 21 pages, via Coverfly and FilmFreeway.
It’s important to note that while there is a dedicated £3,000 prize for first-time filmmakers, these individuals are also eligible to compete in the main category, offering a versatile platform for all levels of experience.
Adrian Barber of Bolton Film Festival commented on the collaboration:
“We are honored to be hosting the pitch session for the “Slick Films Fund” at our next edition in October. Emerging filmmakers face many barriers in achieving their dreams, but more often than not their dreams are quashed in the early stages through lack of financial support.
This fund aims to help not just with the 10K award, but by providing a springboard for these breakthrough artists. Slick Films are the perfect company to help new filmmakers flourish, they have been on that journey themselves and now have the awards, the contacts, the knowledge and the expertise to guide and nurture the next generation.
Their mentorship isn’t just about shaping films; it’s about shaping futures.”
The Pathway to Success
Slick Films has established itself as one of the UK’s most exciting up and coming indie production companies, collaborating with international filmmakers and winning over 100 international accolades, including the Academy Award®.
Chris Overton, CEO and Founder of Slick Films, shared his enthusiasm:
“At Slick we’re dedicated to changing the world through the power of stories. While we’re drawn to those with a message, our slate also celebrates films that simply entertain.
Every project we take on has its own, very unique journey and we’re excited to offer this opportunity to filmmakers with stories that deserve to be told. It’s tough out there right now, which is why we’ve created two fund sections to support both experienced and first-time filmmakers.”.
On Friday 4th October, during the Bolton Film Festival, five finalists will pitch their projects to a live audience and an esteemed jury.
This panel includes industry heavyweights like Catherine Lyn Scott of London Flair PR, Katie Bignell of Festival Formula, Adrian Barber and Zoe Rothwell of the Bolton Film Festival, Sadhbh Murphy from NITV, Marbelle of Directors Notes, Mustapha Wehbi, Head of Short Form at Slick Films, BAFTA Nominee Elham Ehsas, BAFTA Winner Yasmin Afifi and Oscar® Winners Chris Overton and Rachel Shenton.
Rachel Shenton remarked, “I think it’s getting increasingly more difficult to access funding for all sorts of reasons so I’m excited that we can do our bit and help the next generation of filmmakers to tell important stories”.
Mustapha Wehbi, added, “Our film fund is a gateway for aspiring filmmakers to carve a path in this dynamic industry. We’re committed to nurturing emerging talent and are excited to champion stories that ignite imagination and advance careers.”
How to Apply:
Filmmakers interested in applying for the Slick Films Fund can take advantage of the Early Bird fees and submit their scripts from April 15th via Coverfly and Film Freeway. For more information on submission guidelines and the application process, please visit these platforms.
https://filmfreeway.com/submissions
For more on the Bolton Film Festival, please go to:
