BFI Script Writing Open Call

Applications are now closed for this year’s BFI Script Writing Open Call.

We are seeking original scripts from young writers for Eastside’s 14th annual BFI Film Academy.

Submit a short script or a spoken word poem and have the chance for it to be made into a short film for the BFI Film Academy 2024!

This year Eastside are inviting script submissions from 18-30 year olds. Three short scripts/spoken word poems will be selected to be produced by Eastside’s BFI Film Academy students (16-19 years old). Your scripts, if successful, will be screened to audiences at the BFI (tbc) in December 2024.

We are looking for short scripts or spoken word poems responding to the theme:  ‘Stories from Newham’ OR ‘Stories from Enfield’. It doesn’t matter if you live(d) there or not as long as the story is taking place there or has ties with one of these boroughs.

Please remember that you can only have two on-screen characters in maximum two locations as our BFI film crews will only have 2 days to film.

Please note the following CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:

• Your script/poem must be 2 to 5 pages for a script or 1-2 pages for a spoken word poem
• Your poem must not last longer than 5 minutes when spoken out loud.
• Max. 2 characters.
• Max. 2 locations
• Your film should respond to the theme: ‘Stories from Newham’ OR ‘Stories from Enfield’

If submitting a poem please consider sending a voice/screen recording of this as part of your application (and time the length of this).

Students will be shooting in London in November with access to a studio space.

They have 2 days of shooting time.

Your short story should be clear for an audience to follow.

It’s okay to submit more than one idea but make sure it fits into these requirements.

The deadline for submissions is 11:59pm, Sunday 15th September 2024.

We are really looking forward to receiving your entry. Please don’t hesitate to get back to us with any further questions on bfiteam@eastside.org.uk.