The Film And Television Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £350,000+ in grants (2022-23 financial year for Stop-Gap Grants and Sir Horace Ové Fund)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Varies by program (Stop-Gap Grants: quick turnaround; Reel Impact: multi-stage process)
• Grant Range: £500 - £25,000 (depending on program)
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)

Contact Details

Website: filmtvcharity.org.uk

Email: information@filmtvcharity.org.uk

Phone: 020 7437 6567

24/7 Support Line: 0800 054 0000

Reel Impact enquiries: [email protected]

Overview

The Film and Television Charity (registered charity 1099660) was established in 2003 and is the leading UK charity supporting people who work behind the scenes in film, television, and cinema industries. For the financial year ending March 2024, the charity had total income of £1,492,000 and total expenditure of £5,751,000. The charity provides comprehensive support including financial grants, mental health services (including six free counselling sessions), a 24/7 support line, legal advice, and a bullying advice service. In 2023, Marcus Ryder MBE was appointed CEO, bringing extensive experience from the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity. Under his leadership, the charity has strengthened its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, with 30% of future grants budgets ringfenced for Black and Global Majority beneficiaries. The charity has committed to investing £1 million in programs supporting these communities, reflecting its strategic focus on addressing systemic inequalities in the industry.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Stop-Gap Grants: £500-£750 (case-by-case basis up to higher amounts)

• Quick and straightforward application process
• For urgent financial needs: childcare, household bills, emergency expenses
• Rolling basis
• 800% surge in applications between August-October 2023, reflecting high demand

Sir Horace Ové Grant: Up to £500

• For Black and Global Majority workers
• Covers equipment upgrades creating barriers to accessing work
• Membership and affiliation costs
• Rolling basis
• 47 applicants awarded £21,575 between November 2022-March 2023

Reel Impact Programme (launched 2022):

• For Individuals: Up to £10,000 for mid-to-senior Black and Global Majority individuals
• For Organisations: Up to £25,000 for organisational development or advancing race equity
• Fixed rounds (Round 3 launching early 2026)
• Independent grants assessment panel
• Multi-stage application process with intersectional scoring based on need, impact, and diversity of approach

Priority Areas

• Behind-the-scenes workers in film, TV, and cinema experiencing financial hardship
• Diversity and inclusion: 30% of grants budgets ringfenced for Black and Global Majority beneficiaries
• Mental and physical health support: Counselling, wellbeing resources
• Career development: Particularly for underrepresented groups in mid-to-senior positions
• Equipment and professional development: Removing barriers to work
• Organisational development: For Black and Global Majority-led production companies
• Advancing racial equity: Systemic change initiatives in the industry

What They Don't Fund

• Front-of-camera roles: Actors, presenters, supporting artists
• Non-entertainment moving image work: Corporate videography, commercials, music videos, community/campaigning filmmaking, education/training content
• Digital content creation: YouTube and similar platforms
• Cinema front-of-house workers: May qualify through Hospitality Action instead (back-office and technical cinema staff are eligible)
• Projects benefiting people outside the UK
• One-off events: Unless linked to longer-term aims or outcomes

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Governance and Leadership

Chair of Trustees: Claire Tavernier - Over 20 years' experience in media and digital enterprises. Former Global Head of Digital at Fremantle, Managing Director of multi-channel YouTube network, and CEO of Girl Effect. Appointed 2023.

CEO: Marcus Ryder MBE - 25+ years in media. Former Head of External Consultancies at Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity. Former BBC senior executive with awards from BAFTA, Royal Television Society, and Foreign Press Association. Chair of RADA. Named one of Variety's 500 most influential people in global film (2022). Appointed 2023.

Board Committees:

• People and Culture Committee (Chair: Sara Putt)
• Finance Committee (Chair: Suki Gill)
• Inclusivity Committee (Co-chairs: Juliet Gilkes Romero and Joseph Adesunloye)
• Risk, Safeguarding and Governance Committee (Chair: Claire Tavernier)

Key Leadership Quote: Marcus Ryder stated, “The Charity will only be able to fulfil its core aims if it helps the industry address issues of equality, diversity and inclusion.” He described the charity as “an incredible source of support for people working behind the scenes across the film, TV, and cinema industry, acting as a vital enabler for those facing disadvantage, financial hardship and poor mental health.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Stop-Gap Grants:

• Online application form via filmtvcharity.org.uk
• Quick and straightforward process
• Rolling basis

Sir Horace Ové Grant:

• Online application form
• Rolling basis
• Contact: [email protected]

Reel Impact:

• Multi-stage application process
• Applications consist of eligibility check, personal/organisational details, professional experience, and project details including budget breakdown
• Can provide written answers or upload video responses
• Up to two pieces of additional supporting information accepted (professional references, letters of recommendation, case studies, testimonials)
• Must upload supporting evidence: up-to-date CV and proof of ID (passport, driving license, last three months' payslips, or bank statements)
• Independent grants assessment panel scores applications at each stage with intersectional lens
• Fixed application rounds (next round opens early 2026)

Support Available: Contact the Grants Team at [email protected] for help with applications. Read full eligibility criteria and guidance before applying.

Decision Timeline

Stop-Gap Grants: Quick turnaround for emergency support (specific timeline not disclosed)

Reel Impact: Multi-stage process with longer timeline. Applications reviewed by independent panel at multiple stages.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, the charity noted an “overwhelming” number of applications for Reel Impact, indicating competitive selection. Round 2 of Reel Impact awarded £133,888 to eight applicants.

In 2022-23, awards data showed:

• Where race was known: 36% of awards made to Black and Global Majority applicants (£98,984, representing 31% of total value)
• Where disability was known: 36% of awards made to Disabled applicants (£119,460, representing 36% of total value)

Reapplication Policy

The charity does not provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants following stage one decision-making due to high application volumes. Feedback is provided if applicants progress to stage two and are unsuccessful. Specific reapplication waiting periods are not publicly disclosed.

Application Success Factors

Eligibility Requirements

Must work behind the scenes in film or television in the UK, contributing to entertainment appearing in cinemas, UK TV channels, on-demand services, or pay-to-view digital platforms.

Work requirements:

• At least 40 days of paid work in the last 18 months, OR
• At least two years in the film/TV industry if seeking support to return after career break

For Reel Impact individuals: Must be mid-to-senior level with three years' UK industry experience.

Examples of Successfully Funded Projects

Reel Impact Round 2 Individual Recipients:

• Ruchika Tagore: Pursuing formal counselling training to become qualified welfare specialist for diverse freelancers
• Shekhar Bassi: Physically disabled and autistic screenwriter shadowing experienced directors in high-end scripted drama
• Somina 'Mena' Fombo: Documentary director documenting women's sports
• Shannon Welby: Screenwriter career progression, building brand and network

Reel Impact Organisational Recipients:

• From Life Prosthetics: SFX studio building inclusive facility for Black and Global Majority-led innovation
• British Arab Writers Group: Supporting creatives and storytellers with Arab heritage
• Aniboxx Studios: Animation career elevation scheme “Diversimation: The Senior Shift” for mid-level professionals
• The TV Collective: Podcast platform amplifying underrepresented voices

Application Tips

• Be specific about need: Clearly demonstrate financial hardship or barriers to work
• Show impact: Explain how funding will create long-term career advancement or organizational development
• Align with diversity priorities: Applications addressing racial equity and inclusion are prioritized
• Provide comprehensive supporting materials: Use full range of supporting documents allowed (references, testimonials, case studies)
• Consider video responses: Option to upload video instead of written answers for some questions
• Read guidance thoroughly: Full eligibility criteria and program guidance available on website
• Seek help if needed: Grants team available to answer questions before application

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Diversity is central: With 30% of grants ringfenced for Black and Global Majority applicants and £1 million committed to equity programs, applications addressing systemic barriers and underrepresentation are strategically prioritized
• Behind-the-scenes only: Front-of-camera roles, YouTube creators, and corporate video work are explicitly excluded - ensure applicants work in eligible entertainment production roles
• Emergency vs. strategic funding: Stop-Gap Grants provide quick crisis support (£500-£750), while Reel Impact offers substantial strategic career development funding (£10,000-£25,000)
• Multi-stage Reel Impact process: Expect rigorous review with intersectional scoring lens; progressing to stage two offers feedback opportunity if unsuccessful
• Holistic support available: Beyond grants, charity offers free counselling (six sessions), 24/7 support line, legal advice, and bullying services - mention awareness of broader support ecosystem
• Evidence of industry connection essential: Must demonstrate 40 days paid work in 18 months or two-year industry history for career returners
• CEO's vision matters: Marcus Ryder's leadership emphasizes that addressing equality, diversity, and inclusion is fundamental to the charity's core mission - frame applications within this strategic context

References

• Financial Support: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/finance/
• Reel Impact Programme: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/reel-impact/
• Stop-Gap Grants: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/finance/stop-gap-grant/
• Sir Horace Ové Grant: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/finance/sir-horace-ove-grants/
• About Us - Governance: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/about-us/governance/
• Meet the Team: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/about-us/meet-the-team/
• 24/7 Support Line: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/24-hour-support-line/
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/about-us/diversity-equity-inclusion/

1. Charity Commission Register - THE FILM AND TELEVISION CHARITY (1099660): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1099660&subid=0

1. “Diversity Champion Marcus Ryder, Former Fremantle Digital Head Claire Tavernier to Lead U.K. Film and TV Charity” - Variety, July 2023: https://variety.com/2023/biz/global/marcus-ryder-claire-tavernier-uk-film-and-tv-charity-1235681224/

1. "UK's Film and TV Charity names new CEO" - Screen Daily, July 2023: https://www.screendaily.com/news/uks-film-and-tv-charity-names-new-ceo/5184466.article

1. “Film and TV Charity reveals awardees of Reel Impact second round funding” - British Cinematographer: https://britishcinematographer.co.uk/film-and-tv-charity-reveals-awardees-of-reel-impact-second-round-funding/

1. "Film and TV Charity's Reel Impact reveals awards" - Televisual: https://www.televisual.com/news/film-and-tv-charitys-reel-impact-reveals-awards/

1. Grant Programme Guidance for Individuals - Reel Impact (PDF): https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/assets/documents/Reel-Impact/Grant-Programme-Guidance-for-Individuals.pdf

1. “Film and TV Charity bolsters Board of Trustees” - Film and TV Charity Press Release, February 2024: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/stories-events/news/four-new-trustees-announcement/

1. The Film and Television Charity - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Film_and_Television_Charity

1. Giving is Great Charity Factsheet - THE FILM AND TELEVISION CHARITY: https://givingisgreat.org/charity-factsheet/?regNo=1099660