Screen Scotland Single Project Development Funding

Eligibility and project requirements

Three applicant types are accepted: producers based in Scotland, producers based outside Scotland where the writing or directing talent is Scotland-based, and individual screenwriters based in Scotland. The lone-writer route sets a high bar: at least one full-length feature screenplay produced, where the completed film was theatrically distributed, received critical acclaim or screened at recognised international festivals. The fund states it strongly encourages applications from writer, director and producer teams with the producer applying, and would not normally fund projects where the producer is also the sole writer. Projects where all key creative talent is based outside Scotland are excluded even if the story is Scottish. Projects must be capable of qualifying as a British film via the Cultural Test, a co-production treaty or the European Convention. First-time feature filmmakers are directed to Talent Builder instead. The BFI Diversity Standards are part of the eligibility criteria. Applications are accepted in English, Gaelic or Scots.

Formats

Feature

Eligibility

UK residentsScotland only

Open to

United Kingdom

Deadlines & fees

Dates and fees checked against the official site 12 Sept 2026. That is longer ago than we aim for; confirm on the official site before entering.

Prepare your entry

Prizes

Awards in the range of 3,000 to 50,000 pounds, paid against an agreed schedule and cash-flow normally set against milestones. IMPORTANT: this funding is repayable on the first day of principal photography if the project goes into production. You are also required to assign a share of all rights in the project, including copyright, to Creative Scotland, reassigned to you on repayment, and to give Creative Scotland a development credit. Independent Scotland-based producers who repay have the money ring-fenced in a locked box to draw down on future projects or staff training; the guidance writes that benefit around producers, so whether a sole screenwriter gets a locked box is genuinely unresolved in the document.

Judging

Complete and eligible applications are assessed by Screen Scotland officers against the published criteria. Following officer recommendations, decisions on awards up to 100,000 pounds are taken by the Screen Team, chaired by the Director of Screen. Feedback is offered to unsuccessful applicants so they can strengthen and resubmit, though a repeat application for the same project is only accepted if the original reasons for refusal have been addressed.

Frequently asked questions