Emerging producers invited to apply for IFFR Rotterdam Lab 2024

British Council opportunities: From funding for travel to opportunities to promote UK talent, films and events. Our opportunities are open to filmmakers, actors, festival programmers and film enthusiasts.

As the film and television market gets ever more global, the Rotterdam Lab, organised as part of IFFR Pro, is an invaluable opportunity to be part of a five-day training workshop that offers emerging international professionals the means to build and develop their networks.

Providing confidence and skills to navigate the world of international film financing, sales and distribution, Rotterdam Lab annually hosts more than 70 producers from across the globe during the IFFR Pro Days.

With funding from BFI NETWORK and our own Lab Travel Grant programme, we’re offering two emerging UK producers the opportunity to attend the festival in January 2024 with five nights’ hotel accommodation, a  five-day Rotterdam Lab Programme and CineMart accreditation. Accreditation entitles participants to attend all screenings and significant events. (Please note that Travel will be at the selected filmmakers’ expense).

Shortlisted applicants for the Lab are nominated through the Festival’s partner organisations – and the British Council is the UK partner sourcing the best emerging production talent from across the UK. We are now looking to draw up a shortlist of UK applicants for the Rotterdam selection committee, which will then select the final participants.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for emerging producers from across the UK to take part. This could include independent producers with their own companies, or junior producers working for a production company.

Candidates should have produced a minimum of two short films and maximum of two feature films. Existing films should be an international co-production or applicants should be working on their first international co-production.

What will you get?

Participants will learn about new developments in the industry, and logistical matters such as co- and post-production, sales, (digital) distribution, funding, and developing a project. 

After Rotterdam Lab, producers will leave with an expanded network of contacts, the experience of an international market like CineMart, and be even more knowledgeable about the global cinema marketplace.

Rotterdam Lab runs from 27—31 January 2024

How to apply

To apply, please send

• a CV/filmography
• company profile
• letter of motivation

(no more than one page per document)

Send to joanna.duncombe@britishcouncil.org with subject “British Council Rotterdam Lab 2024 Application”

Lab Grant applications for UK-based participants on the programme must have come through this official British Council call out. Only two UK-based participants will be selected.

The deadline for applications is 17 November 2023 at 11.59PM