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.

Applications for this fund open on Monday 30 March 2020.

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.

How to apply
If you are applying for this fund, please ensure you have read the guidelines and Funding Privacy Notice fully before you complete the application form.

Download the Screen Bridging Bursary Guidance
Fill in the online application form. If you are unable to access the online form, please contact us (see below for contact details).
View the Funding Privacy Notice

Contact
If you want to clarify if you or your request is eligible, or you wish to discuss other questions about this fund, please contact our Enquiries Service. You can do this by email, through our website or social media.
Email: enquiries@creativescotland.com
Web: Fill out a form on the Creative Scotland website
Twitter: Send us a tweet @screenscots

We aim to respond to all enquiries very promptly. If you want us to call you back, give us your number and we’ll arrange to come back to you as soon as possible.

For more information, please visit: https://www.screen.scot/funding-and-support/screen-scotland-funding/bridging-bursary-programme