Applications now open to take part in Art of Action!

BFI FAN is proud to unveil a new UK-wide season – Art of Action – celebrating the artistry of real action choreography that’s kept audiences on the edge of their seats since the early days of cinema.

Conceived by FAN and delivered in partnership with BFI, Art of Action offers a captivating journey through cinema from the jaw-dropping stunts of silent cinema pioneers via the daredevil ethos of Hong Kong filmmaking to today’s intricate dynamic visual choreography.

Art of Action will explore the cinematic artistry, skill and craft involved in creating iconic sequences and films, as well as engage with the historic roots and cross-cultural influences of action cinema. You can also expect behind-the-scenes insights into the daring and ground-breaking world of the film action community and opportunities for the next generation of creatives.

Backed by a UK-wide Press and marketing campaign and a central listing platform, the season will have a broad audience appeal.

We are now inviting cinemas, festivals and multi arts & media organisations to present seasons, events and screenings that celebrate the art of action and the stunt community since the invention of cinema.

Am I eligible?

To access support from this programme, organisations must be a member of their local Film Hub and be legally constituted with a nominated UK Bank Account. Proposals from individuals or non-members will not be considered.

If you’re not a member yet, find out more about joining BFI FAN here.

Where do I start?

Look at the Creative Brief for more information about the programme scope and to get some inspiration.

You can also get ideas from the list of contextual titles that are available to book.

What funding is available?

There are three ways you can engage with the programme and access support:

1. MENU
Pick from the menu of key titles available from assorted distributors in the UK and access support of up to £500 (£125 per film) for enhancement wraparound activity and audience development; with a very straightforward process to access the support.

2. BESPOKE
Up to £15,000 (average awards likely to be circa £5,000 based on previous activity) to develop bespoke projects to allow exhibitors to develop a more bespoke activity within the parameters of the Creative Brief.

3. CROSS-FAN
Up to £15,000 to develop programme and/or Marketing/Outreach Activity with the potential to scale or tour across the UK and/or projects involving multiple site-specific events across the UK. Read the Funding Guidelines for more information and guidance.

Period of activity

The bulk of the season takes place this Autumn (Oct-Dec 2024) across the FAN membership.

(Note that for non-theatrical members, the menu will be available to book until the end of Jan 2025)

Accessibility

If you require any access needs for completing the form, please email your local film hub and they can advise how they can accommodate your needs to complete a proposal.

You can find further support for access here.

What are the guidelines for the fund?

Please read carefully the Creative Brief and Funding Guidelines below.

Creative Brief
Funding Guidelines

How do I apply?

Applications must be completed via your local Film Hub.

Key dates

Final deadline for Bespoke and Cross FAN Proposals – 5pm, Friday 21 June 2024
Decisions made: Monday 15 July 2024
Menu Expressions of Interest can be submitted until Monday 30 September 2024
BFI Full Programme announcement: early August
Period of Activity: October – December 2024 (except for the Menu titles which can be booked until January 2025 and some special regional preview events)

Image credits

Header image: Chow Yun Fat as Li Mu Bai, Zhang Ziyi as Jen Yu in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Photo credit: Peter Pau. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Image block:

Police Story Trilogy – Copyright Eureka Entertainment

Polite Society – Copyright Universal Pictures

Michelle Yeoh as Yu Shu Lien in CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.
Photo credit: Peter Pau. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Impact Areas

Awareness / attitudes

Focus Areas

Audience Engagement