Expanding into international markets requires more than creative ambition — it demands strategic partnerships and solid financing. The UK Global Screen Fund International Co-production 2026 offers UK producers up to £300,000 to support globally competitive film and television projects. If you are building cross-border collaborations and seeking structured public backing, this fund could help bring your production to life.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Study Level / Job Type: Film & TV Production Grant
- Funding Type: Non-recoupable grant (up to £300,000)
- Eligible Countries: UK producers partnering internationally
- Deadline: 9 April 2026 (Fast Track: 12 March 2026)
About the Opportunity
The UK Global Screen Fund International Co-production supports independent UK producers working as partners on international film and television co-productions.
Financed by the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and administered by the British Film Institute (BFI), the fund aims to strengthen the global competitiveness of the UK screen sector.
Funding is offered as a non-recoupable grant of up to £300,000, contributing toward the UK producer’s financial share of eligible co-productions.
The programme supports:
- Minority UK feature film co-productions (fiction, animation, documentary)
- International TV co-productions in animation or documentary
Projects must demonstrate strong export potential, international audience reach, and the ability to generate revenues for the UK producer.
“This opportunity is officially offered by the British Film Institute (BFI), and applicants should apply through the official application portal.”
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the UK Global Screen Fund International Co-production, applicants must:
Applicant Requirements
- Be an independent UK producer
- Lead a UK-registered limited production company
- Have demonstrable production experience
- Hold an on-screen producer credit on at least one commercially distributed narrative project
Company Requirements
- Registered and centrally managed in the UK
- Producing independent narrative content
- Not majority-owned by non-UK corporate entities or large broadcasters
- Not an SPV created solely for the project
Project Requirements
For Film:
- Feature-length (minimum 60 minutes)
- UK must be a minority co-producer
- Minimum 60% of finance secured (80% for Fast Track)
- Qualify for British certification
For TV:
- Animation or documentary only
- Minimum 24 minutes aggregate duration
- Broadcasters from at least two or three countries (depending on majority/minority status)
- Minimum 60% secured financing (80% Fast Track)
Additional requirements include:
- At least one third-party finance source
- Environmental sustainability planning
- Completion of the BFI Diversity Standards form
Benefits
Successful applicants under the UK Global Screen Fund International Co-production may receive:
- Up to £300,000 in non-recoupable grant funding
- Strategic international co-production backing
- Enhanced international market positioning
- Increased visibility for UK creative talent
- Access to global distribution networks
- Strengthened cross-border partnerships
- Support for environmental sustainability certification (e.g., BAFTA albert)
This funding directly strengthens the UK producer’s financial contribution and global footprint.
Other UK-based funding opportunities: Royal Society Partnership Grants 2026 for Schools.
Who Should Apply
This fund is best suited for:
- Established independent UK producers
- Production companies seeking international expansion
- Teams with festival, awards, or box office track records
- Producers building new partnerships across global territories
- Companies aiming to scale their international revenue streams
Emerging producers with a credible distribution history and strong international collaborators may also benefit.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Carefully review the official guidelines.
- Confirm eligibility of both company and project.
- Secure at least 60% (or 80% Fast Track) of project financing.
- Prepare required documents, including:
- Finance plan
- Production budget
- Script/treatment/storyboard
- Letters of Commitment or Intent
- Complete the BFI Diversity Standards Production Form.
- Submit your application through the official BFI portal before the deadline.
Fast Track applicants must provide additional documentation, including evidence of cast availability and shooting start dates.
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How to Apply
If your production has secured international partners and significant financing, this could be the strategic support needed to move forward confidently.
Applications are open from 12 February 2026 and close on 9 April 2026.
Submit your proposal early to allow time for documentation verification and compliance checks.
