BFI UK Global Screen Fund 2026: Up to £300,000 for Independent UK Animation and Film Co-Producers
Film, animation and documentary co-production funding for UK studios
The British Film Institute (BFI) is accepting applications to the UK Global Screen Fund (UKGSF) International Co-production programme, with a regular closing date of 24 November 2026 at 12 noon UK time. The deadline for qualifying Fast Track projects is much sooner: 27 October 2026 at 12 noon. Grants of up to £300,000 are intended to support established independent UK producers participating in international film, feature animation or eligible television documentary and animation projects. It is not a general open competition for individual digital artists.
Who qualifies as the lead applicant
An applicant company must be a limited company registered and centrally managed in the UK, whose main business is independent narrative content production. The lead UK producer must have an on-screen production credit for a narrative work with commercial distribution, broadcast or a qualifying festival release, and the company must demonstrate a credible track record. A special-purpose project vehicle alone cannot apply as the lead applicant. Check the rules on corporate control and connections to overseas production partners before preparing the application.
Feature films and animation: limits on eligible content
Eligible film projects include feature-length fiction, animation and creative documentary of at least 60 minutes, generally structured as international minority co-productions with greater financial and creative contributions from at least one foreign partner. Projects must be capable of qualification as British films under the approved cultural tests or co-production arrangements. Television applications are restricted to international co-productions in animation or documentary, not ordinary unscripted formats, and broadcasting-partner requirements apply. Stand-alone gallery video installations and short experimental media works are not automatically eligible.
At least 60% of the budget secured; up to 50% of UK contribution
For the standard route, at least 60% of a project's overall financing must already be secured; for Fast Track, that threshold is 80%. Applicants must also have secured another source of UK finance beyond this fund and relevant audiovisual tax credits. UKGSF can provide up to £300,000 and no more than 50% of the UK financial contribution to the project. Requests above 25% of the UK contribution face additional justification requirements. The published maximum does not mean all eligible productions will receive the full amount.
Production schedule and two distinct October/November deadlines
Regular applicants normally expect principal photography or animation to start between 23 February and 24 July 2027. Fast Track is intended for projects needing to start earlier, between 24 November 2026 and 23 February 2027, with extra evidence including lead-cast availability where relevant. For documentary projects separate finance and completion rules apply. Therefore submit a complete project-specific financing and production timetable, rather than selecting a deadline based only on which date is latest.
What successful film producers may spend it on
Awards contribute to the UK production and post-production elements of the qualifying international project, drawing on UK cast, crew, studios, post-production and creative services. Eligible costs and sustainability measures must be allocated according to the detailed BFI application terms, including workforce pay obligations and underlying rights clearance. An additional ring-fenced amount of up to £6,000 for a sustainability consultant may be available under the rules, and is not part of an unconditional cash prize.
About the organiser and safe application
The BFI is a recognised UK film and moving-image organisation responsible for cinema heritage, film culture and national screen-funding programmes. The UK Global Screen Fund supports independent screen businesses to collaborate internationally and to strengthen British screen content's overseas reach. The UKGSF website publishes the funding criteria, assessment process, expected result dates and official links to apply. Before sharing sensitive financing statements or agreements, confirm that the application is accessed through the BFI's own funding portal and check the most recent guidelines, as the fund has different eligibility rules for film, animation and documentary projects.
Official announcement and applications
https://www.bfi.org.uk/get-funding-support/funding-support-international-activity/uk-global-screen-fund/uk-global-screen-fund-ukgsf-international-co-production