Grants, Bursaries & Funding Opportunities for TV Talent
Getting into TV, Film or any creative industry can be expensive and we know that not everyone has the same access to opportunity. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of financial grants, bursaries and funding opportunities that you can apply to to help give you the financial push you need to get your career on the right track!
Some have specific requirements, and others may only have their applications open for a certain period of time in the year, so be sure to read the application guidelines carefully. Offering everything from a couple hundred pounds to thousands, most of these grants are actively encouraging applications from those from less advantaged and under-represented backgrounds.
Sir Horace Ové Grant
This grant helps Black and Global Majority people working behind the scenes in film, TV, and cinema to access opportunity and navigate barriers to career progression. Grants of up to £500 are available and could cover anything from childcare or travel costs to helping you access a career opportunity, and courses to support your professional development. Find more information on the grant here.
RTS Bursary Scheme
If you’re a student from a low-income household studying TV Production (editing, directing, producing, set-design etc.) studying at an undergraduate degree or HND Level 5 or 6, then you need to check out this TV Production Bursary!
Awarded by the Royal Television Society, this scheme provides free RTS membership; industry mentoring; access to the latest events and lectures and numerous networking opportunities. They also support their scholars financially, awarding £1000 per academic year of study.
The luckiest of applicants will receive one of two Steve Hewlett Scholarships, which entitles the scholar(s) to all the additional perks of the TV Production Bursary, but with a financial contribution of £2000 per academic year and additional support, mentoring and opportunities from the Steve Hewlett Memorial Fund. Find more information on this bursary here.
The Arts Council - National Lottery Project Grants
This open access programme offers grants for a range of creative areas - including the visual arts. The fund supports thousands of individuals and organisations, with grants typically ranging from £1,000 - £100,000. Unlike some other grants, the Project grant is always open for applications, so you can apply whenever the time is right for you! Find more information on the grant here.
The Arts Council exists in part to support those pursuing creative endeavours of all types, so be sure to check their site from time to time and see what opportunities they have to offer.
ScreenSkills Bursaries
ScreenSkills UK offer cash grants to remove the obstacles stopping you getting into the industry or progressing your career once you’re in. You can apply for money to pay for most things that relate to work and continuing professional development, such as training fees, accommodation, care, disability access costs, equipment, software and travel.
They also have loads of free e-learning available, as well as opportunities for training and courses to develop your skills and abilities. Find out more on what Screenskills can offer here.
The Prince William BAFTA Bursary
Re-opening in Summer 2023, this fund helps assist junior creatives with the costs of progressing their career in film, games or television. Previous years have allowed applicants to apply for up to £2,000 towards specific costs such as a training course (including driving lessons), the costs of equipment or software, or relocation costs.
Like RTS, BAFTA offers a paid membership service that gives members exclusive access to events; workshops; masterclasses and more! Find out more here.
BFI Doc Society - 'Made of Truth' Fund
Are you an aspiring documentary maker? Need some extra cash to get your non-fiction story off the ground? This fund supports all forms of short form non-fiction documentaries, including personal stories, hybrid work, artist films, essays, observational and social issue projects.
The fund also considers VR and immersive projects which are firmly rooted in the non-fiction form. You can apply for a maximum of £25,000 in funding to help bring your story to life - no small amount, right? Find out more about this opportunity here.
Help is out there…
We know it’s hard enough to fund your passions, or give yourself the financial footing you need to get into the TV industry and that’s without the current economic situation - but financial support is available! These are just a few of the opportunities open to UK-based TV industry talent. Keep your eyes on Gritty Talent’s social media channels and blog for more initiatives and support!
Find out more at www.grittytalent.tv/under-representation
