Up to £7000 for your short film. Welcome to the second edition of The Day Job Film Fund.

At Day Job, our support is not dependent on experience-level, but heart.

We also know that talented filmmakers often face major obstacles with these kinds of funds: juries not fully reading through your work, selection based on clout, and commercial agendas that stifle bold storytelling.

That’s why we’ve launched the Day Job Short Film Fund - a competition based around respect for filmmakers, giving you the freedom to make the film you actually want to make.

We’re here to change the narrative.

If you’ve got a story you’re passionate about, and a bold way of telling it, we want to help bring it to life. Open to filmmakers worldwide: we want to see live-action, animation and documentary submissions. We want to hear from you.

This will be a fair, transparent process. Each applicant’s work will be reviewed thoroughly and respectfully, by several members of our jury.

The competition will unfold in three rounds:

Round 1: Pitch Deck Submission (Deadline: August 10th)

Round 2: Script Submission (October)

Round 3: Interview (November)

This competition isn’t just about choosing one winner. It’s about uplifting and empowering every filmmaker who applies. All applicants will become part of the Day Job community, where we offer ongoing support through networking events, creative meet-ups, and industry opportunities. From judging panels, to crew work, future commissions to talent spotlights, we’re building a network where filmmakers at every stage are seen, valued, and connected.

MAKE FILMMAKING YOUR DAY JOB.

Awards & Prizes

The amount you pitch for is up to you - we encourage applicants to request what’s appropriate for their story and scope. Whether you need £2,000 or the full £7,000, we’re looking to back vision and clarity over scale.

We offer two entry types:

Standard Entry: Your pitch deck is reviewed and discussed between at least three of our jury members.

Special Entry: In addition to standard entry, you’ll receive a 1–2 page written analysis of your pitch deck (including what worked well and where it might be strengthened for future competitions). This feedback will be provided within 30 days of submission results.

Rules & Terms

1. The competition consists of three rounds:

Round 1: Submit your pitch deck by AUGUST 10th 2026. This should include your concept, tone, characters, visual style, the budget you are requesting and any additional elements that help communicate your vision.

Round 2: Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full short film script. SEPTEMBER 2026.

Round 3: Finalists will take part in an in-person interview to explore the feasibility of bringing your idea to reality. OCTOBER 2026.

2. Applicants may be based anywhere in the world.

3. We accept live-action, animation, and documentary short films under 40 minutes in length.

4. Each project must have a producer attached - this cannot be the same person as the writer or director.

5. In the event that multiple projects are selected and/or we like your idea but believe your budget may be unrealistic - your project may be offered a lower amount than requested.