The Screen Scotland Bridging Bursary Fund is now closed. Thank you to everyone who has applied to the funding programme. We are currently processing all requests and responding to all as soon as possible and within the four-week timeframe indicated.
This fund is to support freelance or self-employed screen practitioners working in Scotland’s screen sector (exhibition, distribution, development, production or postproduction for film or television, scripted or unscripted, live-action or animation, talent and skills development, film education) who are experiencing immediate financial difficulty due to the loss of screen sector income in Scotland as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is a one-off bursary that will provide a financial bridge for those people who are most deeply impacted and disadvantaged by COVID-19 related closures and cancellations across the sector.
We anticipate applications from self-employed or freelancers such as crew, specialist festival and venue staff, postproduction, directors and film education and training practitioners (excluding on-screen talent).
We will trust that those who request this Bursary are in need of emergency funding at this time. We would strongly encourage people to fully consider their needs before making a request to this programme. We have finite funds and expect a high level of demand. It is vital that we are able to support those who have the most urgent needs at this time.
The Creative Scotland and Screen Scotland Bridging Bursaries aim to support and prioritise those most in need at this time, particularly those who are least likely to benefit from the recently announced Job Retention Scheme and Self Employment Income Support scheme.
There are no deadlines for this programme as we want to respond to the urgency of this situation. We realise that not everyone will be able to respond to this opportunity immediately. We will hold back a proportion of the budget so that we can respond to requests that take a little more time to reach us.
A quick summary
- This is a fund for freelance or self-employed screen practitioners working in all parts of Scotland’s screen sector who have lost work and income due to COVID-19
- You can seek between £500 and £2500 to help support your immediate needs
- The overall budget for this fund is £1.5m
- Awards are non-competitive and we’ve created a quick, simple process for applicants
- We’re aiming to turnaround applications and have the money in your account within 4 weeks of receiving your form.