Q: Who is Funny Features for?
A: Funny Features is open to producers, writers and writer/directors who are developing their first or second feature which is a comedy. The scheme is only for producers and writers (or writer/directors), and they must apply as a creative team. Directors can be attached to prospective projects, but they will not be able to participate in the sessions.
We encourage applications from people who are from underrepresented groups, including but not limited to, those from the global majority, LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people, those who identify as a gender minority and/or those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We also encourage applications from across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Northern England. Funny Features is only open to teams based in the UK.
Q: What level of filmmaking skills and experience do I need to have to apply for Funny Features?
A: One of the producer(s) or writer(s) must match one of the below minimum experience criteria:
- Made at least three short films, two of which must have been commissioned
- Made at least two short films (one commissioned) and have one TV Credit as a writer or producer
- Have at least two TV credits as a writer or producer
- If from a theatre background, you must have written or produced three plays that were performed publicly, and one of which must have been a ‘professional production’. Professional production in this instance is defined as a run of 3 weeks or more (for example, a run at the Edinburgh Fringe would be eligible)
Films made with funding from a university course or talent development scheme are eligible as commissioned shorts.
Q: Which benefits will I gain from Funny Features?
A: If you are successful in your application, teams will leave Funny Features with:
- Extensive knowledge of the film finance landscape
- Heightened confidence in navigating the marketplace
- Clearer understanding of market placement
- Widened network of decision-makers
- A film finance plan
- A polished draft of their script
- A project ready to enter the international marketplace to being securing financing
Q: Can I request a specific mentor when I apply or if I am successful in my application?
A: No - we will assign a mentor to you based on our assessment of your application and project needs.
Q: What happens after I’ve submitted my application?
A: Applications will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts. Applications will be scored primarily on project quality and originality. The panel will also consider the project’s probability of securing financing in the current market, the strengths of the creative team and their potential to be able to deliver a final product ready for theatrical distribution.
We aim to confirm successful projects and will communicate decisions to applicants by the end of October 2025.
Q: Will sessions take place in-person or remotely?
A: Sessions will take place remotely apart from the introductory weekend and the final pitching workshop and Live Pitch.
Q: Will I be reimbursed for any costs accrued while taking part in the lab?
A: We will be able to cover the cost of travel and accommodation associated with any in-person requirements from the lab.
Q: Which other access measures are available to support people taking part in the mentorship?
A: We will do our utmost to support all reasonable access requirements, including but not limited to: childcare, BSL interpretation, live-captioning, and note-taking.
Q: Will I be paid to take part in Funny Features?
A: Yes, writers and producers participating on the Funny Features scheme will be paid a fee for every workshop they attend.
Q: We're a team with two writers, can we apply?
A: Yes, you may apply as long as the project also has a producer or producers attached.
Q: I’m a first-time feature writer or writer/director working with a producer who has already made a feature, can we apply?
A: Yes, you may apply if you’re working with a more experienced producer who meets the minimum application criteria.
Q: My experience is in documentary and not scripted, can I still apply?
A: Yes. We encourage talent with experience in other mediums to apply, though you must be applying with a scripted comedy project.
Q: Our producer is based in Scotland, but our writer is based in Wales. Can we still apply
A: Yes. Creative team members do not all need to be based in the same location, however everyone in the team must be based in the UK.
Q: I am a writer with a first draft of a comedy feature, but I don’t have a producer attached. Can I still apply?
A: No. You must have a producer attached to apply. We would encourage you to reach out to producers you have worked with in the past, or to do a call out on social media to find a producer to collaborate with. We have also created a Discord to facilitate introductions between writers and producers. This Discord is free to join, and we would advise giving a brief introduction of who you are, whether you are looking for a producer or writer, and whether you meet the minimum criteria to apply. We would also encourage you to reach out to your local film network or hub to see if they can help you connect with a producer.
Q: What should I include in my personal statement?
A: This is an opportunity to tell us more about your creative team, your project and why we should support you in developing your project. This should ideally be written by the lead applicant (i.e. the producer).
Be clear in your application about your motivations as a team and what you wish to gain specifically from the mentoring and masterclasses. You may wish to include why you think your project has market potential, how it fits into the wider comedy landscape, or how it subverts comedy tropes and genres. We want to see commercially ambitious work that appeals to contemporary audiences.
Q: How many applications can I submit?
A: Writers can only be attached to one submitted project. Producers may be attached to more than one submitted project but personal statements for each application must be unique to the individual project.
If you have any questions that haven't been answered, please feel free to get in touch! You can reach us at industry@glasgowfilm.org
