Southern Exposure Film Fund opens for Autumn 2014

Since beginning in 2006, SEFF has become the most successful film fund for aspiring artists and filmmakers across the capital.

Budding producers, directors and screenwriters within Southwark and Lambeth are invited to apply to the Southern Exposure Film Fund, a unique grassroots professional development scheme in filmmaking.

Submissions are now open via the Southern Exposure website. Applications will close at noon Wednesday 19 November 2014.

SEFF, now in its eighth year, is funded by Southwark Council and Lambeth Council and match funded by Creative Skillset, BFI NET.WORK and Film London. All filmmakers are offered tailor-made support in the key areas of development, production, post production, marketing and distribution.

This year, up to four projects will be awarded grants to outstanding filmmakers from the two boroughs. Previous films have gone on to screen at internationally recognised film festivals such as Cannes, Edinburgh, Rhode Island, London, SXSW, and Palm Springs Film Festivals.

Councillor Dora Dixon-Fyle, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Arts and Culture said "It's wonderful to be able to continue to invest in aspiring local filmmakers in Southwark. Creativity is a gift and those interested in film in our community need their talents nurtured so they are encouraged to follow their passions and make their mark on the industry."

Alumni winner Frank Madone said, "SEFF was huge for me and for all involved in the project. It really helped show that what I had written had legs to stand on and that people believed in the vision behind the film as a whole. I'm really excited for the film we made and now I'll be entering again, knowing that the level and quality of scripts submitted will be really promising stories. I can't wait to see what comes out this year! It was an all around great experience - I am so grateful for the tutelage alone."

Shortlisted applicants are taken on a ten-week master class course of filmmaking, learning about areas such as story editing, casting and marketing. Their final pitches will then be put before a panel of judges from the four bodies involved in the project and between two and five successful pitches will be chosen to make into a short film; where production grants of up to £4,000 per project are offered.