New funding pathway for immersive creatives
The British Film Institute (BFI) has opened applications for a new Expanded Screen Fund, offering up to £150,000 for immersive works of fiction.
The fund is aimed at experienced UK producers and creative leads with a track record in immersive or screen-based storytelling, supporting projects that use new technologies to create interactive experiences for audiences.
Projects must be screen-based and
- intended for public exhibition in the UK
- use technologies such as virtual, augmented or extended reality or 360° media
- demonstrate a clear creative rationale for the chosen technology
- present narrative experiences based on imagined worlds, events or characters
Funding can be used for project development and production, depending on the proposal. Full details are set out in the BFI funding guidelines.
Potential applicants can get more information about the fund at the BFI webinar on Thursday 30 April 2026, from 11am to 1230pm. Register for the webinar.
How to apply
Read the full guidelines on the Expanded Screen Fund before submitting an online application via the BFI website. You will need to create an account to make your application online.
Applications close on 3 June 2026.
The fund is included in the BFI National Lottery Funding Plan 2026 – 2029, which will invest £61 million in filmmaking and talent development over three years. It forms part of a wider BFI pathway to support immersive creators at different stages of their careers.
First published 17 April 2026