New guidelines for Welsh filmmakers announced

New guidelines have been drawn up in a bid to ensure that as many Welsh films as possible reach the big screen.
Following a revision of the criteria for Lottery production and development awards for film, Sgrîn Cymru Wales and the Arts Council of Wales have announced the guidelines in order to increase the number of Welsh projects receiving support.
Berwyn Rowlands, Chief Executive of Sgrîn Cymru Wales, said: “It is vitally important that producers in Wales develop projects relevant to the international market. The revision of the guidelines will allow Lottery Funding of Film in Wales to reward companies who are successful in attracting private sector funding, before seeking funding from public bodies.”
Judith Higginbottom, Head of Production at Sgrîn, added: “Sgrîn currently administers just under £1million per year of National Lottery Funds on behalf of the Arts Council of Wales.
“The new guidelines will ensure that we support viable projects that can attract finance in the international marketplace and give producers a head start as they seek potential partners. They will also make it easier for new companies to receive small awards and ultimately they will help to raise the standard of films developed in Wales.”
The main changes to the guidelines are: Applicants intending to contribute all necessary partnership funding through their own company funds may request development loans up to a maximum of £7,000 or 75% of eligible costs (whichever is the lower); Applicants who have attracted third party commercial finance may request development loans of up to £20,000 or 75% of eligible costs (whichever is the lower); Projects seeking further development support following receipt of a previous Lottery award will only be considered where third party commercial finance is also available; A company may only submit four applications for funding per financial year; And applications which have been rejected or have had their funding withdrawn may not re-apply for a period of nine months. After this period officers will consider if substantial developments or changes have been made to the project. If it is agreed that substantial changes have been made a project may then be re-submitted for consideration.
For further information on the changes to Lottery guidelines contact Anneli Jones on +44 (0) 29 2037 6550 or Rhodri ap Dyfrig on +44 (0) 29 2033 3314.
(GB)