Film Hub North is excited to introduce Animation Development Lab, a programme designed to support animators to shape bold, original short-form animation ideas.
Over six weeks, five selected animators will follow a focused development journey to strengthen their concept and prepare it for future production and funding opportunities – particularly the Short Film Fund opening in early 2026.
Bring a concept, character, world, visual idea, or early-stage narrative and spend six weeks shaping it into a strong engaging short. Whether your project ends up as a script, storyboard, or other visual development material, the Lab will help clarify your idea and sharpen your creative vision.
Who should apply?
The programme is open to writers and animators with an initial idea for a short film under 15 minutes in length. You don’t need to have made a film before or even worked in the medium: this course is suitable for artists working in different mediums who want to make the move into writing for animation.
Ideas must be original to the writer and not an adaptation of third-party existing material. We will consider applications from co-writing teams as well as individuals. Applicants must be over 18, not in full time education, and be based in the North (as defined by the BFI).
Your idea should be distinctive, different, have a strong perspective and potential for a clear plot, character arc, and creative approach. Applicants will ideally have a dedication to working as a writer in creative arts.
For further information and to apply, visit the website
Deadline: 5 January 2026
Source: BBC Writers