Job profile

The BFI is an internationally recognized cultural body, and the lead organization for film in the UK. We are a Government arm’s length body and distributor of Lottery funds for film. We serve a public role which covers the cultural, creative and economic aspects of film in the UK.

The BFI’s ambition is to create a flourishing screen environment in which innovation, opportunity and creativity can thrive. The BFI Impact, Discovery, Development and Future Takes funds champion emerging and world-class filmmakers from a wide variety of backgrounds by investing in creative, distinctive and entertaining work.

We are seeking knowledgeable and experienced freelance Script Readers for the BFI Filmmaking Fund. We want a strong, diverse pool of script readers that we can trust to provide us with reliable and insightful assessments in order to contribute to a rigorous assessment process for Production, Development and Future Takes applications. Successful applicants will be assessing feature-length and short film scripts as well as treatment documents, pitch decks and manuscripts where appropriate, for the Filmmaking Fund’s Impact, Discovery, Development and Future Takes funds in relation to the BFI’s funding priorities.

Project Outline

• Assessing the BFI Filmmaking Fund’s applications and supporting material on creative merit and in relation to the BFI’s funding priorities.
• Providing reliable and insightful assessments in order to contribute to a rigorous assessment process for Filmmaking Fund applications.
• Liaising with Filmmaking Fund Executives as required.

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Significant demonstrable script reading experience for film (2+ years minimum).
• Proven evidence of script editing and/or work in a script development capacity including providing written development notes.
• In depth knowledge of and/or experience of working within production or development within a UK based screen organisation.
• Evidenced excellent written communication skills.
• Demonstrable interest in film with a proven and in-depth understanding of successful storytelling, screenwriting and script development.
• Interest and clear understanding of the work of the BFI Filmmaking Fund and its funding priorities.
• Interest in and understanding of the film industry both past and present.
• An organised approach with attention to detail.
• An interest and awareness of emerging talent in film, TV, theatre and emerging media.

Payments will be based on the type of project assessed.

We support diversity and inclusion, and as an organisation recognise that we need to address under representation within our teams. As such we strongly welcome and encourage applicants from our under-represented groups; who identify as D/deaf and disabled and/or are Black and Global Majority.

We guarantee a first interview to our under-represented groups who meet our minimum requirements. How we are doing, including our pay gaps can be found on our website at www.bfi.org.uk.

Further details about the post can be found in the attachments on the left.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Friday 2nd May 2025.

Applicants who are progressing to the second stage will be contacted to do a script related task by Monday 12th 2025.

Interviews will be held in the week beginning 26th May 2025.