Applications Closed.
FILMONOMICS 6: First Time Feature Filmmakers
31 March - 21 June 2022
Birds Eye View Filmonomics, supported by ScreenSkills as part of the BFI Future Film Skills programme using funds from the National Lottery, is back!
March 31-June 21 2022
Birds’ Eye View’s highly regarded filmmaker programme, Filmonomics, has returned with Filmonomics 6, a training course for First Time Feature Filmmakers (writers/directors/producers) of marginalised genders, who are either on the cusp of their first feature or have just made/released their debut. The programme is funded by ScreenSkills, the industry-led skills body for the UK’s screen industries, as part of the BFI Future Film Skills programme using funds from the National Lottery.
The applicant’s first feature may be fiction, non-fiction, hybrid, of any genre and genre defying. Beneficiaries will be early-career (though not new entrants) with the course designed to bridge the gap between development and distribution – mixing industry knowledge with behind-the-scenes networking and discussions on vital topics such as finance, teams, marketing, exhibition and audience development.
The bespoke programme (Film + Economics) is a business-training programme which balances creative and commercial aspects of filmmaking and production. The course content is wide-ranging: from sessions on developing confidence in your presentation style with trained psychologists, and interrogating rejection with professional coaches, to case studies, project work, current box office and data analysis, future trend-forecasting, as well as networking sessions and screening events. The programme runs over 10 x sessions and is a blend of day/evening workshops, 8 on line and 2 in person (if possible).
Another popular aspect of the programme is the focus on individual development with sessions focussing on speaking with confidence, and how to deal with challenging characters.
The impact is tangible – a small selection of the folks we’ve supported: Thembisa Cochrane and Georgina Paget made THE COLOUR ROOM for Sky (2021) which was on the programme. Camilla Wren and Shirine Best met on the programme and are now 2021-22 BFI Vision Awardees with their new company. Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor was on the programme in 2018 and went onto produce BLUE STORY and BOXING DAY. Christiana Ebohon-Green and Darcia Martin are two directors blazing a trail in TV who have directed CALL THE MIDWIFE, SOON GONE and VERA to name a few. Helen Jones (producer ) Naomi Wright (executive producer) Silver Salt Films’ first feature film CENSOR which premiered at Sundance and Berlin 2021 and subsequently went on general release in the US and the UK. Paul Sng developed and co-directed BIFA winning POLY STYRENE I AM NOT A CLICHÉ on the programme. Roger Williams backed by Film Cymru and BFI went onto produce THE FEAST.
Testimonials from alumni
“It has been so wonderful for us to have your support all the way from Filmonomics and beyond, and to be connected to all the inspiring women and allies that have come from that time!”
Thembisa Cochrane (The Colour Room 2021)
“Thank you thank you thank you-I’ve already recommended this to two people for next year!”
Georgie Paget (The Colour Room 2021)
“It’s so good to hear that this programme is coming back again – it really did wonders for me”
Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor (Boxing Day 2021) & (Blue Story 2019)
“Thank you for your faith and enthusiasm. You find outsiders and help to guide them through the pitfalls. You are creating change in the Industry, rather than just talking about it like many others.”
Christiana Ebohon-Green
“The Filmonomics Course was a real boost in my career at a time when there seemed to be even less opportunities than there are now. I felt a real sense of encouragement and collaboration being part of a closely knit Filmonomics cohort, and even though this was three years ago, we are still in touch. I’ve also been so proud to see fellow course attendees go on to do great things.”
Naomi Wright (Censor 2021)
how it works
Filmonomics is targeted at feature film directors, writers, and producers, and will prioritise global majority and marginalised talent (individuals or teams) where at least one participant is representative of one of these groups.
The total cost for the programme is £ 350 + vat for individuals / freelancers / those paying from their own company with fewer than five employees, and £400 + vat where we are invoicing an employer of five + employees. This cost has been greatly subsidised by our funders.
We have Discretionary Access Support (DAS) funds available to cover travel, accommodation (for applicants based outside of London), and childcare/other carers. DAS will be disseminated according to the shared needs of the successful applicants. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There’s also several full programme DAS available for routine manual and service occupations; semi-routine manual and long-term unemployed.
From the previous Filmonomics cohort, 100% said they would recommend the course. By the end of the programme, “very confident” increased from 4% to 56%” – confidence being one of a number of indicators of impact that we would look for when assessing whether the course reached its desired outcomes.
The deadline date for applications Tue 8 March – 10am
TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK HERE
(scroll down to the end for application guidelines)
We will notify successful applicants on Thu 17 March.
If you are not contacted, it means your application has unfortunately been unsuccessful. As we are a charity with a small staff, we are unable to give individual feedback on your application.
Enquiries should be emailed to course manager Simone Glover: mail@birds-eye-view.co.uk
Please put in the subject line of your email: FILMONOMICS 6 before your enquiry heading. Thank you.
COURSE LEADER
The course will be run by Kate Gerova (course facilitator), Melanie Iredale (Birds Eye View director) and
Simone Glover (Birds Eye View Training Manager).
Kate Gerova (she/her)
Course Facilitator
Mustard Studio Co-founder and Creative Director Kate Gerova comes from an exhibition and distribution background, most recently as Group Director of Brand and Marketing for boutique cinema circuit Curzon Cinemas. Whilst there, she blended strategy, numbers and customer-centric campaigns to increase membership, spearhead the brand identity and combine the vision for cinemas and the Home Cinema platform. Previously creative director of the Bird’s Eye View film festival, Kate launched Filmonomics, a training development programme for female filmmakers. She has recently completed a 10-month programme in UX and UI strategy and design to enhance her understanding of customer behaviour and implement better experiences
Melanie Iredale (she/her)
Birds Eye View Director
Melanie Iredale is a film curator and cultural activist. She is the newly appointed Director of Birds’ Eye View, a charity with a mission to champion broader perspectives of the world through films by women & non-binary creatives and to advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in cinema. She is also an Exec Producer on the award-winning REBEL DYKES, which screened in 50+ festivals internationally and 40+ cinemas in the UK since its premiere at BFI Flare 2020. Prior to this, Melanie served as Deputy Director and Programmer at Sheffield DocFest, 2014-2021, with a background of developing audiences in the North of England for international cinema since 2005.
Simone Glover (she/her)
Birds Eye View Training & Content Manager
Simone has worked in the film industry for over 20 years in various roles in story development and training. Prior to joining Birds’ Eye View in it’s new guise 2015, Simone worked at Academy Award-winning production company ‘Missing In Action Films’. Prior to this, Simone worked for Arista Development, a training initiative in which Pan-European writers, producers, directors and development executives gained theoretical knowledge and practical techniques vital to develop their stories. Simone is a graduate of the programme. Simone has been a freelance story developer, and a reader for most of the regional screen agencies, including Film London’s Microwave and London Calling schemes. As a screenwriter, Simone has written a number of short films and TV, one a winner of BBC Northern Ireland NIFTC for Northern Lights, another, starring Ben Whishaw, backed by the BBC, was nominated for Best Short at Danny Boyle’s Shuffle Film Festival. Simone’s co-written original comedy feature, created with actor Adrian Dunbar, is in development with Northern Ireland Screen. Simone’s original period/action/adventure feature recently got her a place as a finalist on The Writers Lab UK & Ireland in 2021.
About Birds Eye View
Birds Eye View brings a wider perspective of the world by championing cinema by women & non-binary filmmakers. Our mission is to advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in film by fostering a community for those who make, show, release and watch them.
We do this through
Increasing the impact of, and developing the conversations around, films by women and non-binary people.
Increasing, developing, and diversifying audiences by making the cinema experience safe, accessible, relevant and inclusive.
Increasing equal access and opportunities within the film industry for women and non-binary people.
We define films by women as directed (or co-directed by, with 50% female credit or more). Our events, however, are for everyone of all genders to enjoy.
What We Do
Reclaim the Frame – developing audiences and building communities for films by women & non-binary filmmakers by bringing people together for events and conversations through a network of 19 plus cinemas across the UK.
Training / Mentoring – Continued Professional Development (CPD) courses and workshops for women and non-binary filmmakers/screenwriters, and film distribution/exhibition professionals to enable professional growth and, in turn, to address their historical under-representation as creatives and gatekeepers within the sector.
Advocacy – using our voice and platforms to agitate for equity, diversity and inclusion in cinema, to support others doing good work in this area, and to foster community.
About ScreenSkills
ScreenSkills is the industry-led skills body for the screen industries – film, television (including children’s, unscripted and high-end), VFX, animation and games. We are supporting future innovation and growth across the whole of the UK by investing in the skilled and inclusive workforce who are critical to the global success of the screen sector. We are funded by industry contributions to our Skills Funds, by the BFI with National Lottery funds awarded as part of its Future Film Skills programme to help people get into the industry and progress within it, and by Arts Council England.
SPEAKERS & COACHES
Current Cohort
application & deadline
Tue 8 March – 10am
We will notify short-listed participants by the end of the day Thu 10 March and set up 20 minute Zoom calls on Tue 15 or Wed 16 March. We will notify successful applicants on Thu 17 March by close of play.
If you are not contacted, it means your application has unfortunately been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, we are a charity with a small staff, so are unable to give you feedback on your application.
Enquiries should be emailed to course manager Simone Glover: mail@birds-eye-view.co.uk
Please put in the subject line of your email: FILMONOMICS 6 before your enquiry heading. Thank you.
Download
Data Privacy & Protection Policy
Download
Public Feedback & Complaints Policy
Download
Environmental Sustainability Policy
Download
Equal Opportunities Policy
Download
Anti Racism, Bullying and Harassment Policy
Download
Safeguarding Policy
