This summer, in partnership Bristol AF Productions, BFI NETWORK South West are relaunching New Voices: Step Up, a mentoring opportunity for filmmakers who identify as being from a lower socio-economic background* or who are currently unemployed and claiming benefits.
They have created this scheme in response to a Channel 4 report that indicated that working-class creatives in film and TV are at the lowest level in a decade. In 2026 there is still a need to support talent who lack the opportunities others may have (in location, access, connections, resources), and we’re keen to provide some guidance on pathways into the industry and on maintaining a career once in it.
Mentees will benefit from three 45-minute online meetings with film industry professionals over a four-month period (Sep 2026 - Jan 2027) The aim is to provide you with industry insights, tools, resources and plans for your next steps. The mentors you could be matched with include writer-director Paul Holbrook (Boys Like You), writer-director Dionne Edwards (Pretty Red Dress) and producer Sophie Reynolds (Surviving Earth). One more mentor will be announced soon.
They're offering six places to early to mid-career level directors and screenwriters aged 18+ and not in full-time education who are pursuing careers in scripted filmmaking across live action, animation or immersive, and are looking for guidance in areas such as:
- Maintaining a film/TV career
- Building relationships with crew and creatives
- Pitching your ideas to funders and execs
- Navigating the production process
- Finding your voice as a filmmaker
Please note that this is not a script development scheme and any editorial support will be at the discretion of your mentor.
