BFI Network Hubs | Writing for Animation Lab 2026

Four BFI NETWORK Hubs have teamed up with the ScreenSkills Animation Skills Fund to create this new lab for writers to develop, experiment and expand their skills and understanding of storytelling in animation. 

The lab will support up to 12 early-career-level writers already working in animation, or with the ambition to write for animation. With a range of guest speakers and masterclasses on subjects such as structure, collaboration and audience, the lab will offer tangible and practical insights to the exciting visual potential of animation storytelling. Each writer will also work with a script editor to develop their short film idea. The lab will take place mostly online with one in-person day at Aardman in Bristol during the week of Monday 21st September (reasonable travel expenses will be covered). 

The lab is supported by the ScreenSkills Animation Skills Fund, made possible by contributions from UK animation productions.

Who it's for

• Early-career-level writers or writer-directors
• You must be over 18 and not in full-time education when the Lab starts
• You must have written a short-form (or longer) screenplay before
• You will be developing original scripted animation or have an ambition to write for animation (all techniques welcome!) 
• You must not have a writing credit on a feature that has received UK distribution in the past 5 years (including on streaming platforms), as we’ll be prioritising those whose who will find the most value in this opportunity

You must be a resident of one of these English regions: South West, South East (excluding London), Midlands or North (proof of address may be asked for during the assessment period). Note, there will being limited spaces for each region. Find out where your region is here. 

For more information and to apply visit the website