Development fund launched for early-stage TV, film and games producers
Belfast XR Festival has launched Amplify:XR Labs, a £200,000 (US$269,000) development fund for early-stage TV, film and games producers.
Described as an “immersive media development programme,” it will support experienced producers working across film, TV and games development to develop narrative fiction projects using extended, mixed and virtual reality (VR) and other immersive technologies.
The first of its kind, UK-wide programme will be delivered by Belfast XR Festival, supported by the BFI Creative Challenge Fund, awarding National Lottery funding in partnership with Arts Council Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen, Immersive Arts UK and Digital Catapult.
The programme is part of BFI Creative Challenge Fund’s focus on talent progression, skills development and sector sustainability.
Amplify:XR Labs aims to de-risk early development for immersive narrative projects by offering paid creative development time, tailored mentorship and access to world-leading XR professionals.
XR is an umbrella term for all immersive technologies, combining VR, augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) to blend digital and real worlds, creating experiences that enhance or replace our view of reality through immersive visuals, interactions, and digital overlays.
The programme encourages cross-sector collaboration, welcoming new and emerging producers from film, television, games and other adjacent screen industries to explore the narrative potential of creative technology and immersive formats.
The programme is open to 10 UK-based teams, led by new and emerging producers, supported by a director/writer and creative technologist. Applicants may be new to XR, provided they can demonstrate emerging status within their existing screen or creative practice.
Projects must be intended for development in a narrative immersive format using XR technologies, with the ambition to progress towards production, market readiness and distribution.
Applicants must apply to Amplify:XR Labs before 17.00 GMT on February 6 and selected projects will be announced one week later.
Belfast XR Festival director Deepa Mann-Kler said: “This programme represents a strategic shift for Belfast XR Festival, moving beyond showcasing work to actively strengthening the UK’s immersive ecosystem at its most critical point: early-stage producer development.”
Director of the BFI Filmmaking Fund, Mia Bays, added: “The XR and immersive media landscape offers exciting creative potential which Amplify:XR Labs will help to unlock for emerging producers, aligning with the BFI Creative Challenge Fund’s core aim of increasing opportunities for early career producers.
“Through offering participants the opportunity to engage with real-time pipelines, immersive design principles and to create fully developed pitch materials, Amplify:XR Labs will directly enhance their ability to attract finance, secure production partners, and take projects to market.
“We are excited to see the results from the Lab which we hope will help to diversify the immersive sector, and bring regional and underrepresented voices into a high-growth area of screen storytelling.”
