​Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to the questions we get asked most about First Flights and the Short Film Fund.

Popcorn

First Flights Features

1How do I submit?

We will only accept feature submissions that are sent using the submit form found here

2What is the review process?

Applicants will receive a confirmation email once their projects have been submitted.

Please remember it may take some time for your film to be fully processed by the team. Please leave at least four weeks for your project to be processed.

If we wish to take the project further, we will arrange a meeting with the producer and directors to discuss further.

3What are Ripogram, Anamatic and Short Clips?

Think of these as an audio and visual representation of your mood board. These are an essential asset for a feature film projects as when sharing the project to many stakeholders will very quickly communicate the central theme and tone of your film. There are three main types:

Ripogram

This is where you pull together footage from other films and stitch them together with a voice-over, text, and soundtrack to create a mock trailer for the film. It is probably the most straightforward version to do, as you’ll only need to edit existing footage 'ripped' from youtube.

Anamatic

This is similar to Ripogram, but you use stills of the film's storyboard with voice over and soundtrack to create a trailer or even to show a key scene from the film that captures the essence of the story. You can use the Ken Burns effect to zoom in and out of each still to create movement.

Miniclip

If you already have footage of the film, maybe from a screen test you could use this footage to show to vision, style and tone of the film.

4What should a Pitchbook aka Lookbook contain?

This is the long-form document that should contain everything else to pitch the film. Make this look slick. Check for grammatical errors. The whole document should visually represent what the films look and feel will be. The Pitchbook should contain:

One page synopsis

Short and sweet and allows anybody to quickly understand the main story arc.

Director’s vision

Why is the director making this film? Be honest. Don't tell us what you think we want to hear. This is where you can get across the story behind the story, the story that allows us to tell others why this film should be made.

Director’s Bio

First Flights is a talent lead initiative so this section is important to us. Any notable achievements, awards, and links to existing work we can look at go here.

Budget / Financial Plan

If you have a budget, it needs to have details and not simply a one-line amount like £1,000,000. Details show us you have a realistic understanding of how the script's story will translate into the final film.

Bios of confirmed cast and crew

If you have secured actors and have timelines to fit please also put those details here. Showing you have built an experienced team around you is also a vital factor in the selection process for us. If you have a link in the industry, you hope to exploit then let us know.

Short Film Fund - General

1How to apply?

You can submit your short film project during the current 2025 submission period of Feb 4th until April 30th 2025.

Your application will need to include:

  • Project details: title / genre / location / budget / funding amount sought  / intended production date
  • A 30 word logline
  • A 250 word synopsis
  • A 250 word directors vision – creative ideas and information on why the story is important and who it is for
  • A completed script (no more than 30 pages)
  • A biography of the director. Links to the director/writer/producer IMDB pages if available
  • A budget
  • Optional: look book and sizzle reel
2What are we looking for?

The First Flights Short Film Fund is available to film makers from anywhere in the world.

The First Flights Short Film Fund is intended for live action, aimation and documentary short films of any genre. The projects can originate from any country but the application must be made in English. We are looking for projects with running times under 30 minutes.

The SFF funding can be a financial contribution towards an overall budget or applications can be made for full financing provided the budget is under £7,000 / $10,000. Awards will be given to projects which intend to be in production no more than six months after the deadline closes. Awards provided are non-recoupable and are grants provided to the project.

Applications should be submitted by either the Producer, Director or Writer of a project. Eligible applicants should be 18 years of age or older.

3What is the review process?

Applicants will receive a confirmation email once their projects have been submitted. Assessments will be made within 30 days after the closing of submissions and applicants will be contacted by email of the decision.

All applications and scripts are reviewed and graded on a point-based system, and the assessment criteria will cover: originality, creativity, plot, pacing & structure, characters, entertainment, message effectiveness and the viability and feasibility of the project.

The long list is created and reviewed by a team of independent judges from across the film industry (judges names will be published in the final month of the selection process), from which all candidates are interviewed. This will be a forum to have a detailed conversation about the project but also gives the applicants an opportunity to ask any outstanding questions. This meeting can happen remotely via video conferencing or in person. Applicants may be asked to provide evidence that they have secured the rights or underlying rights to the project. If applying for partial funding, applicants will need to show evidence of alternative sources of finance. Following the interview’s and prompt receipt of any requested information, the ratings from independent judges and the interviews are then used to make the final selection.

We will respond to all applicants as they move through the review process but as a result of the volume of applicants we receive, we do not have the resources to provide detailed feedback on projects that do not progress.

4When is the shortlist announced?
June 1st each year for the Winter edition
December 1st each year for the Summer edition
5Where are announcements made?
We announce results on our website, social media, and via email. The best place to stay updated is our Instagram page, so please follow us there.
6How will I find out if I am successful?

We announce the shortlist on May 23rd. If you are on the shortlist we will email you directly.

We will also send a group email to everyone with the shortlist winners. If you do not accept the confirmation email opt-in message when you set up an account - you WILL NOT get the group email.

We will also post the shortlist on our website on May 23rd and the winners on the June 3rd, so if you don't get an email, you can check here too.

7What happens if I am selected?

We will issue a formal Agreement which will outline our formal expression of interest and the key terms of the arrangement. Once signed, funds will be deployed to the project as per the terms of the Agreement.

Projects will be required to credit First Flights with an animated logo and presentation card at the start of the project and two Executive Producer credits in the main titles.

8What are the submission fees and deadlines?

Current submission period

Early bird fees are £20 per project until Feb 28th

Regular fee is £30 until March 31st

Late fee is £40 until April 30th

9Is this open to international submissions?

Yes! The 2025 Female Voices Short Film Fund is in partnership with Female Film Club, and Festival Formula, all internationally recognised brands and thus we accept worldwide entries.

The fund is available to film makers from around the globe. The fund is up to £7000, or USD $10,000 which will be converted into your local currency should you win.

Short Film Fund - Application Process & Eligibility

1What are the eligibility guidelines for Female Voices?
1. Director Requirement: The project must be directed by a filmmaker who identifies as female or non-binary.
2. Majority Female/Non-Binary Leadership in Key Creative Roles: In addition to the director, at least one of the other two core leadership roles (Writer or Producer) must also be held by someone who identifies as female or non-binary.
This ensures that at least 2 out of the 3 key creative positions (Director, Writer, Producer) are led by women or non-binary creatives.
2I am a male producer, but the Director, Writer, and another Producer are female. Is my project eligible for Female Voices funding?
Yes, as long as at least 2 of the 3 key leadership positions (Director, Writer, Producer) are held by women or non-binary creatives, your project qualifies.
3Can I receive feedback on my submission?
No, we don’t have the bandwidth to provide feedback.
4Do I need a production company to apply as a producer?
No, a production company is not required.
5Does my film need to be a proof of concept for a feature film?
No, this is not a prerequisite. However, if your film is a proof of concept, please indicate this in the application.
6Are music videos eligible for funding?
No, music videos are not eligible.
7Are animated projects eligible to apply?
Yes, animated projects are eligible.
8Can I submit more than one project?
Yes, you can submit multiple projects.
9Is my film eligible if it is not in English?
Yes, non-English films are accepted, but the script must be submitted in English.

Short Film Fund - Funding & Financials

1Do we offer waiver fees?
No. Almost all short filmmakers face financial and/or political burdens, and we believe it would be unfair to offer waivers selectively.
2If we have already raised funds and only need closing funds, can we apply?
Yes, we support films that need closing funds.
3I’ve already completed my film but need funds for post-production. Can I apply?
Yes, we support films that need finishing funds.

Short Film Fund - Submission & Technical Issues

1I just applied for the grant, and the PayPal payment went through, but I didn’t receive a confirmation email. Can I check?
This is usually due to not opting in to receive updates when signing up for a First Flights account. If your payment went through, we have received your application. If a payment did not go through, we will not have received your application—please check your transaction records.
2I haven’t seen a confirmation email about a successful application. What should I do?
First, check your spam folder. If it is not there, it is likely that you did not opt in for updates when signing up. If your payment was successful, your application has been received.
3I applied for the grant before and was not successful. Can I reapply with the same project?
Yes, you can reapply. However, if there have been no significant changes in the project, we cannot guarantee a different result.
4I’m having issues uploading my script or pitch book. What should I do?
Try the following troubleshooting steps:
  • ✅ Use a different internet connection (mobile data or another Wi-Fi network)
  • ✅ Clear your cache & cookies
  • ✅ Use Incognito Mode to disable browser extensions
  • ✅ Rename the file (avoid special characters, e.g., use submission.pdf instead of submission_final_v2(1).pdf)
  • ✅ Try uploading a different file to see if the issue is file-specific
  • ✅ Wait and retry later in case of a temporary server issue

    • FF3 - Web3 Crowdfunding

    1Where is the FAQ?

    The FAQ is a work in progress and can be found here

    Please make suggestions by using the comments button on the top right. To comment you will need to be on a desktop browser.

    2How do I onboard to the FF3 platform?
    Visit here: https://www.first-flights.com/2022/01/24/how-to-onboard-to-the-ff3-platform/

    Website

    1Contact Us

    If you wish to contact us for press, marketing, or website issues not listed here please email hello[at]first-flights.com

    We will not answer any emials related to film submissions, or accept any unsolicited film enquires on this address.

    2How to I reset my password?

    You can reset you password by Clicking Here