At a time when consistent work can be difficult to secure, it’s crucial to know where to find resources that genuinely make a difference. In this guide, we’re highlighting some of the best funding grants, open calls, free training programmes, and mental health support currently available to media professionals across the UK.

Grants & funds

• A ScreenSkills bursary – a cash grant to remove the obstacles to getting into the screen industries 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.
  
  
• The ScreenSkills HETV Skills Fund – if you are working in mid-level or senior role in HETV lightning department, apply for a bursary of up to £5,000 to fund training and for any travel and accommodation costs required to attend.
  
  
• Sir Horace Ové Grant: Helping Black and Global Majority talent in film, TV, and cinema – financial support of up to £500 to address immediate financial challenges or help you get back to work.
  
  
• Stop-Gap Grant – grant offering a rapid financial assistance for film and TV workers facing urgent financial difficulties. Grants typically range up to £500, but requests for up to £750 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  
  
• BFI Network Early Development Fund – this fund provides support for the early stages of development for debut long-form projects. Deadline: 19 Nov 2024
  
  

Opportunities

• Female Pilot Club Launches its 2025 UK Comedy Initiative – Submit the first 10 pages of your comedy script for a chance to have it read by top flight comedy talent for a live audience. Deadline: 15 Nov 2024.
  
  
• BBC Writers’ Open Call – BBC seeks out the best writing talent. We look for writers with the strongest potential to be developed and produced for BBC broadcast. You could be new to writing or new to the BBC but equally, you may be a playwright looking to write for TV, or you’ve written for radio drama and would like to try your hand at writing for CBBC. Deadline: 3 Dec 2024
  
  
• MiraBan UK Film Awards – Festival and Industry Mixer – MiraBan are offering complimentary tickets to filmmakers looking to networking and make connections! To find out if you are eligible for a free ticket, email talent@miraban.com

Free workshops & training

• CV building workshops – These sessions aim to empower individuals who wish to enter the high-end TV industry, with the aim to position them in the best way possible when writing their CVs and approaching employers. 4 Dec 2024, 14 Jan 2025 (and more), 6-7 pm.
  
  
• Dolby Atmos training programme – this fully-funded training programme will support 15 freelance professionals with an understanding of Post-Production DAW systems within the UK’s High-end TV Industry. Deadline: 22 Nov 2024. Date: 25 Nov, 10 am – 26 Nov 2024, 5 pm.
  
  
• Avid Media Composer refresher – Tim Young will guide you through a practical Avid editing exercise, with a view to giving you the knowledge and tools to brush up on your editing skills. This training aims to help individuals coming back into the industry after a break, moving into a new role or responsibility level, or improving skills in unscripted TV. Deadline: 11 Nov 2024. Date: 29 Nov 2024, 9:30 am.
  
  
• Understanding the Children’s TV industry and how to get started on pitching your idea – Over the course of two sessions – led by industry consultants Aimée Norman and Janet Balmforth – you will get the low-down what is happening in the children’s (live-action and animation) industry. Deadline: 14 Nov 2024, date: 28 Nov, 2 pm – 11 Dec 2024, 2:40 pm.
  
  
• Software upskilling for screen professionals – a series of seven modules designed to improve your software skills and to develop efficiencies in your working practices, build confidence and understand the benefits of using software collaboratively.

Mental support

• Managing Anxiety and Uncertainty – the session will increase the awareness and understanding around mental health and will help individuals to recognise the signs and offer support to people suffering from mental distress in the workplace and in the community. Deadline: 1 Dec 2024. Date: 14 Nov 2024, 09:00-10:30 (more dates available).
  
  
• Get help now – confidential 24-hour Support Line from The Film and TV Charity. If it’s not an emergency but you want to talk to someone now, our free and confidential 24-hour Support Line is here for you.
  
  
• Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database, bringing local, national, peer, community, charity, private, and NHS mental health support and services together into one place.
  
  
• Black Minds Matter – exists to address some of the many barriers that Black and Global Majority individuals face when accessing mental health support and connects people with free professional mental health resources.

Other

• Discussing virtual production techniques used on House of the Dragon seasons 1 & 2 – the second online webinar as part of the Virtual production webinar series for 2024 – 2025 to hear about how virtual production techniques were used in High-end TV production House of the Dragon Season 1 and Season 2. Date: 13 Nov 2024, 18:00-19:00.
  
  
• Working with deaf cast and crew 2024 – a one-hour online session explores the practical and creative access solutions when working with deaf cast and crew. Deadline: 20 Nov 2024. Date: 21 Nov 2024, 1 – 2 pm.
• Boost your confidence exercises by The Film and TV Charity – three confidence-boosting exercises, designed to support industry workers who are facing barriers caused by a lack of confidence.
  
  
• A list of organisations and groups that can help you build vital connections and supportive relationships. Curated by by The Film and TV Charity.

Free workspace in Soho

Book a workspace at The Film and TV Charity – if you need somewhere to work, catch up with a colleague, or have an informal meeting, The Film and Charity are opening their doors in the heart of Soho. Book your 2-hour spot now.

We hope these resources empower you to take the next step in your journey. Remember, support is out there—so make the most of it and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We are here to help!