Bridging the Gap is one of the leading documentary new talent initiatives in the UK, offering development training, a cash budget, and one year of international festival distribution to emerging filmmakers based in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Bridging the Gap was designed to offer emerging filmmakers a stimulating, supportive, and collaborative space to explore the medium of creative documentary and get the opportunity to have their idea commissioned for the big screen. Offering such a space felt much needed at the time. It feels urgent and indispensable today, in the dizzying times we found ourselves in.
Up to 12 ideas will be short-listed based on the proposal and supporting visual materials submitted. The projects will be developed and honed further through in-person workshops run by international filmmakers and leading industry professionals. The 12 filmmakers will then pitch to a panel of industry representatives, who will commission up to 6 films in January 2024.
As well as a cash budget of £8,500 (plus in-kind production and distribution support) the selected filmmakers will receive further mentoring over six months to create vibrant, intimate and thought-provoking contemporary stories. The films will be delivered by June 2024 and are intended for distribution in cinemas and at festivals.
Scottish Documentary Institute is committed to offering clear and accessible application processes open to everyone. On request this information is available in alternative formats. We offer access support to disabled applicants, tailored to individual requests and our team can offer advice to new applicants and support them to make an application.
