A new opportunity for early-career artists to create a bold interdisciplinary short film.

Scottish Ballet is delighted to announce the inaugural Next Gen Film Commission, in partnership with Forest of Black.

Key Information at a Glance

• Paid Opportunity: A dedicated fee will be paid to the director and choreographer, separate to the production budget.

• Production Budget: A production budget of between £20k and £30k, depending on the scope of the idea and travel and accommodation needs, will be allocated to the film and managed by Forest of Black, who will also handle edit and picture grade, and support delivery of the final film.

• Film Length: 8-12 minutes 

• Dancers Available: Up to eight of Scottish Ballet’s professional dancers 

• Application Deadline: 29 October 2025 at 12 noon 

• Premiere: Early 2027 

• Location: Glasgow (accommodation and subsistence provided for artists not based in Glasgow) 

About the Commission

The commission centres on the meeting point of film and dance, championing work that values both forms equally in the pursuit of creating something only possible through true interdisciplinary collaboration. 

A key focus of Scottish Ballet’s wider Next Generation Campaign is creating opportunities for early-career artists to gain industry access and receive mentorship while developing their skills, and to provide resources for them to create bold new work – ushering in the next generation of artists. 

We are therefore inviting applications from early-career artists to produce a new short film for Scottish Ballet, featuring Scottish Ballet’s professional dancers. The artist(s) will receive mentorship from Scottish Ballet artistic and producing staff, Forest of Black producers, and significant production support throughout the project’s duration. 

The completed film will be screened for Scottish Ballet’s Friends, followed by an international festival campaign. 

This project has been made possible thanks to Scottish Ballet’s Next Generation Campaign supporters.  

Who Can Apply

We are seeking proposals from early-career artists based in the UK who are excited by the intersection of dance and film. We encourage submissions that are inventive, ambitious, and that challenge the boundaries of dance on film. 

Application Types Welcome:

• Filmmaker-choreographer pairs working together 

• Solo choreographers with an exciting idea in need of a film director 

• Solo directors in need of a choreographer to achieve their vision 

If you’re applying solo, we can suggest potential collaborators during the selection process if your application is shortlisted. 

Experience Requirements:

We are looking for applicants who have existing filmmaking or choreographic experience or can show evidence of an ability to adapt their experience to film and dance. 

What We Mean by ‘Early Career’:

We acknowledge that this term can be vague, but we are looking for someone who: 

• Is in the early stages of their creative development 

• Has a focused direction but is still developing their artistic voice 

• Is not currently enrolled in any higher or further education

Location and Commitment:

• Must be based in the UK 

• Willing and able to be in Glasgow for key project periods 

• Open to participating in a moderated Q&A and at the film premiere and other publicity, such as interviews
  

Project Requirements:

• Must be a brand-new film/choreographic concept (adaptations of pre-existing stage works are not eligible) 

• Approximately 8-12 minutes in length 
• Designed for cinema screening 

What We Provide 

Financial Support:

• A ringfenced fee will be paid to the director and choreographer, separate to the production budget 

• A production budget of between £20k and £30k, depending on the scope of the idea and travel and accommodation needs, will be allocated to the film and managed by production partner Forest of Black, who will also handle edit and picture grade, and support delivery of the final film.

• Accommodation and travel budget for artists based outside of Glasgow 

• Separate budget covering exhibition costs, including audience access costs 

For more information about artist fees and production budget, please see contact details below for enquiries.

Creative Resources:

• Up to eight Scottish Ballet professional dancers 

• Access to Scottish Ballet’s studios in Glasgow for rehearsals 

• Potential to shoot at Scottish Ballet’s HQ (subject to project needs) 

• Collaborative casting process with the Company 

• Option to include 1-2 additional cast members outside of Scottish Ballet’s cohort 

• Supporting Artists (background extras) if required 

Production Services and Professional Development:

• Mentorship from Scottish Ballet artistic and producing staff 

• Guidance from Forest of Black producers 

• Significant production support throughout the project 

• Access to collaborators across dance and film industries (such as cinematographer, composer, sound designer, editor, make-up artist, costume designer, set designer, VFX artist) 

• Guidance on licensing requirements if using commercial music  

What Mentorship Looks Like:

• Regular check-ins during development period 

• Creative guidance and technical oversight 

• Industry connections and networking opportunities

Project Timeline

• 29 October 2025: Application deadline (12 noon) 

• Week commencing 10 November 2025: Interviews with shortlisted candidates 

• 24 November 2025: Successful project notified 

• December 2025 – January 2026: Development period (concept refinement, planning, preparation) 

2026 

• February – March: Studio rehearsals Option 1 (specific dates to be agreed) 

• April – June: Additional development time (further refinement, technical planning, pre-production) 

• July: Studio rehearsals Option 2 (specific dates to be agreed) 

• October: Final studio rehearsals, pre-production and principal photography 

• October – January 2027: Post-production period 

• December: Progress screening of rough cut for project partners 

2027 

• February: Deadline for completed film 

• March: Preview screening for Scottish Ballet Friends 

• April: International festival campaign development begins 

Selection Process

Application Review:

Applications will be assessed based on

• Creative vision and originality
• Demonstrated ability to work across film and dance
• Feasibility of the proposed project
• Potential for artistic development

Interview Process:

• Conducted the week of 10 November 2025
• Can be held in person or via video call
• Will include discussion of your proposal, experience, and artistic vision
• Opportunity to ask questions about the commission

Decision Timeline:

• Successful artist notified by 24 November 2025
• Feedback available to all interviewed candidates upon request

How to Apply

Contact for Questions: Tony Currie, tony.currie@scottishballet.co.uk with subject line ‘Enquiry: Next Gen Film Commission’ 

Application Formats: Applications can be in written form or recorded/filmed. If recorded or filmed, upload to YouTube or Vimeo and share via link. 

Application Support: We can offer guidance during the application process. Contact Tony Currie if you need assistance. 

Access Requirements: Please include any access requirements in your application so we can accommodate them.

Additional Support: We welcome phone or video consultations for applicants who prefer verbal communication or have specific access needs. 

We encourage you to reach out with any questions about the application process, project requirements, or accessibility accommodations. 

Required Materials:

Submit all materials to: tony.currie@scottishballet.co.uk

Subject Line: ‘Application: Next Gen Film Commission’

Deadline: 29 October 2025 at 12 noon 

1. Project Proposal (max. 1 page or 2 minutes of audio/video)  

• Description of your film concept
• Structure of your collaboration (duo or individual application)
• Creative approach and vision

2. Project Timeline  

• Brief timeline based on the project timeline above
• Key milestones and your availability

3. CV/Resume  

• Brief overview of your artistic background(s) 
• Relevant experience in film, dance, or related fields

4. Portfolio  

• PDF portfolio or website link(s) 
• If including films or choreography, limit total footage to maximum 5 minutes

5. Personal Statement (max. 1 page or 2 minutes of audio/video)  

• How this opportunity will enable you to develop your practice in new ways 
• What you hope to achieve through this commission

Technical Requirements: 

• Please supply documents as attachments, rather than in the email text
• Vimeo or YouTube links for video material 
• Clearly labelled files and links
• Ensure video links are publicly accessible, or provide passwords. 

Please note we are required to check if prospective candidates have the right to work in the UK. It would be helpful if you could confirm this along with your application.  

Next Generation Lead Partner