Whether you’re launching your first feature or navigating the leap to larger budgets, what gets your project moving is more than a good story — it’s a solid, strategic package. That means a clear plan, the right people, and materials that show your film is ready to be made.
What Is a Film Package?
A film package is the professional “presentation” of your project. It usually includes your script, attached team, cast interest, pitch deck, budget overview, and timeline. It’s how you tell investors, funders, and partners:
“This is real, and we know how to deliver it.”
- Script : Well-written, tested, and rewritten. A good draft isn’t enough — it should feel real and ready.
- Team: At minimum, a director and producer. Funders want to know who’s behind the wheel.
- Cast Interest : Letters of intent (LOIs) from actors with some audience draw — even if not A-list — show your project has traction.
- Visual Pitch Deck : 10–15 slides covering tone, genre, team bios, synopsis, and audience. Make it clean, confident, and reflective of your vision.
- Budget Top Sheet : Total spend, amount raised, and where you plan to shoot (important for tax relief eligibility).
- Timeline & Strategy : When do you want to shoot? Where does it sit in the market — theatrical, VOD, festivals?
You don’t need to tick every box perfectly — but the clearer your package, the more likely you’ll be taken seriously.
In some early-stage settings — like BFI NETWORK, Creative UK, or talent labs — a strong script and pitch deck can open doors. But if you’re approaching funders, investors, streamers, or sales agents, they’ll expect more.
Where to Pitch It
If you’re in the early stages of development — working on your first feature, refining your script, or starting to build your team — you’ll want to look at opportunities offered by BFI NETWORK, Film Hub North, or Creative UK. These organisations run structured schemes and funding rounds that include script development, small-scale production support, and career development — especially for new or regional voices.
Once your project is more developed — with a team, budget, and a clearer path to production — you might consider pitching at events like the Film London Production Finance Market. It’s a curated environment where selected projects can meet financiers, co-producers, and sales agents. You can also explore regional film bodies like Screen Scotland, Ffilm Cymru Wales, and Northern Ireland Screen — all of which fund independent features but expect clear plans and a credible UK spend.
For projects with international potential or larger budgets where a co-production makes sense — markets like the Berlinale Co-Production Market, CineMart, Galway Film Fair, and Cannes Producers Network offer curated access to experienced co-producers, funding bodies, and distributors. Most require you to apply with a strong package — and a realistic chance of production — but they can open the door to real deals.