Film London has called for applications for its Microwave scheme, the micro-budget film-making initiative set up with BBC Films and Skillset.

The scheme is open to London-based production teams looking to move from short film-making to features. 

Seven features have been green-lit to date and the first two completed films – Mum & Dad and Shifty – secured theatrical distribution in a number of territories including the UK. The body is now looking for three more projects to complete its slate of 10 features.

Microwave challenges film-makers to shoot a full-length feature film on a budget of $151,000 (£99,637). Film London offers cash awards of up to $100,000 (£65,985) but the main aim of the scheme is to offer bespoke training to each selected film-making team. In the past, this has included mentoring from director Pete Travis (Vantage Point, End Game), producer Paul Webster (Atonement, Eastern Promises) and script editor Justin Trefgarne (The Interpreter, Hot Fuzz).

Film London will initially shortlist 10-12 projects for Microschool, an intensive four-day programme of seminars, workshops, screenings and script surgeries covering everything from development through to sales and distribution. Following a competitive pitch, up to three successful projects will be greenlit for production.

Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film London said: “Our aim from the outset has been to find the next generation of successful British film-makers and I believe we are achieving that.

“It is a fantastic achievement for the first three features to have secured theatrical distribution and is testament to the talent of the teams but also the set up of the scheme.”

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