In an effort to support the local industry, the British Film Institute (BFI) is giving out a total of US$2.6 million through its Global Screen Fun to UK animation studios working in films, series, games and docs. 

Each studio will receive funding that ranges from US$62,000 to US$180,000 over the next three to five years. The support is intended to assist these companies in building up their market presence, with the long-term goal of helping them secure new international partnerships and increase revenue. 

On the list to receive BFI funds are Wild Child Animation (The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, pictured, and Toad & Friends), which currently has eight animated projects in its pipeline; and Snafu Pictures, whose Bad Dinosaurs series was recently greenlit by Netflix for delivery in spring 2024. Mimi’s World prodco ALT Animation is also on the list, along with Plug-In Media (best-known for its IP Tee and Mo IP) and It’s A Lot Limited, which focuses on content that highlights music, fashion and art for teens.

BFI is also funding video game developers Brightrock Games (Galacticare), Singer Interactive (The Pirate Queen) Huey Games (Wreck Out), Good Gate Media (The Complex) and Slug Disco Studios (Empires of the Undergrowth).

The Global Screen Fund, which distributes US$8.7 million annually, was launched in April 2021 to open up international opportunities for independent UK companies. To date, it has funded 116 companies to the tune of US$11.5 million.