Are you an emerging Film and TV Documentary Maker?
The Whickers fund and recognise original and innovative documentaries, using the generous legacy of their namesake, pioneering broadcaster Alan Whicker, to support emerging film and audio documentary-makers in the funding and production of director-led programmes.
For 2025, The Whickers are offering the Film & TV Funding Award:
Film & TV Funding Award
For emerging filmmakers from anywhere in the world working on their FIRST 50+ minute film as director (or co-director).
Main Award: £100,000
Development Award: £20,000 for the runner-up
Key Dates
Applications Open: 11th November 2024
Deadline: 31st January 2025 (23:59 GMT)
Shortlist Announced: Late April 2025
Finalist Pitches: June 2025 at Sheffield DocFest
Winner Announced: June 2025 at Sheffield DocFest Awards
Eligibility Criteria:
Open to filmmakers worldwide.
Must be your first 50+ minute film where you own the director or co-director credit.
Projects must be in late development or early production (not a finishing fund).
Budget must not exceed £400,000, with no more than £300,000 secured.
Up to six minutes of original taster footage is required.
Applicants must have an executive producer on board and be able to manage funds through a company account.
Finalists must attend Sheffield DocFest in June 2025 (travel and accommodation covered).
Apply HERE by 31st January 2025.
It is optional to create a SMASH Pitch, but feel free to create your FREE pitch HERE and add it to The Whickers’ form in the relevant field. Good luck!
About The Whickers
The Whickers were established in 2015 to fund and recognise original and innovative documentary. We seek to use the generous legacy of our namesake, pioneering broadcaster Alan Whicker, to support emerging film and audio documentary-makers in the funding and production of director led programmes. The Whickers are comprised of two annual awards: the Film & TV Funding Award and The Podcast Pitch Award. We also run a Bursary Scheme in four regions of the world where funding for documentary is limited for socio-political or economic reasons.
For more info please visit their website.