Kent Film Office Ident
The Kent Development Fund has been revised and now accepts applications under the new terms and conditions outlined below.
The Kent Development Fund is a Kent County Council initiative, managed through the Kent Film Office to develop film and television productions in Kent and support local infrastructure for the economic benefit of the county.
The Kent Development Fund may award between £1K - £50K and is intended for projects relating to film and broadcast media which are either new formats, feature films, or TV dramas – single or series, including comedy and soaps. Applications will only be accepted from production companies based in Kent.
The fund currently does not support the following: short films, factual, reality or entertainment (unless new formats) commercials, documentaries (unless film) corporate, games, audio visual fine arts projects, music videos, radio, stills and news.
Since the fund’s main aim is to generate economic growth and benefit for the people of Kent, the following are the main criteria under which any submitted project may be judged: Kent Production Spend
The fund would not consider funding any projects that do not indicate less than a 1:1 Kent spend on any investment received. The fund aims for maximum return in the form of production spend into the county on any investment received. For example, if a production were to receive £50K from the fund, but able to demonstrate a 1:3 spend in the county, i.e. £150K, this would be favourable to a project applying for £50K and merely intending to spend £50K, i.e. 1:1, back into the Kent economy.
Kent Infrastructure
Part of the function of the fund is to support and develop local infrastructure, so the more Kent crew and facilities can be employed on a project, the better. The fund is particularly keen to attract projects that have the potential to return on a yearly basis, like a long running tv series for example or have their production offices and based in the county.
Return On Investment
The fund will always be in the form of an investment, and therefore the panel looks very closely at the commercial potential of each project and the chances to recoup funds. Though aware that substancial talent, sales agent or distributor attachement are no guarantee of commercial success, existing market interest is extremely desirable.
Tourism
Being aware on the enormous financial potential of film tourism through the Darling Buds of May brand or The Other Boleyn Girl moviemap campaign, the panel will also consider the future set-jetting potential of any project. Any aspects that could attract tourist to Kent, either because filming highlights one of our large houses or other tourist attractions, or has a particularly engaging Kent theme, are considered to be favourable in terms of developing the prosperity of the county.
The Kent Development Fund is looking for applications in the following areas:
1. Development
All stages of project and/or script development, particularly for feature films and long running TV productions like drama series, serials, soaps or entertainment productions that will be based in the county.
2. Production
All stages of production and post production, particularly for feature films and long running TV productions like drama series, serials, soaps or entertainment productions that will be based in the county.
3. Skills and Training
Any ‘on the job’ training opportunities or apprenticeship schemes for the people of Kent within the film or broadcast media sectors, including placements for those from ethnic minority groups, a registered disability and those of disadvantaged background.
4. Infrastructure
Any capital projects that will demonstrably grow the infrastructure of Kent’s creative industries sector, with special emphasis on film and broadcast media.
Applications will be considered by The Kent Film Office and brought to the Kent Development Fund Panel for final approval. Depending upon the project, industry experts may be called in to contribute to the decision, which is final.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU SUPPLY US WITH THE FOLLOWING AS PART OF YOUR APPLICATION:
1. Provenance
If your project involves the adaptation of copyrighted source material like novels, comics, music, archive films, etc. please supply us with a copy of any agreement that clearly states that you have the rights to use or adapt said material.
2. Track Records and Talent
Please supply us with track records in the form of CV’s and/or show reels of any key persons attached to your project, as well as written confirmation of any major talent attached to or having expressed an interest in your project.
3. Market Interest and Audience
Please include any expressions of commitment to or interest in your project by attaching letters, faxes or emails from sales agents, distributors, publishers, commissioners or other relevant bodies.
4. Finance Plans
Please supply us with financial materials, including development or production budget outlines, finance plans, receopment schedules or anything else relevant. Please also indicate what return on our investment you are prepared to offer in the form of copyright, recoupment or premiums.
If you feel your project is suitable to be considered for funding and would like to apply for the fund, please do so by downloading and completing the Kent Film Office Development Fund Form 05.2011.
Please note that a timely application enables us to request additional material as well as clarify aspects of you application prior to the panel meeting if needed.
Thank you for your interest in The Kent Development Fund.
