Task 3 - Other Funding Sources

There are a number of different ways that a short film-maker can apply or funding outside of the BFI.  Local councils will often put money towards a short filmmaking initiative, but especially if it deals with the local community in some way.

Charities have also been known to put money towards short films created. When you do think about getting funding from a charity, you must think about which kind of charity you’re going to apply to. It’s no good applying to a foundation for the blind if your film is about the day to day life of a man with severe deafness. 

You could have also potentially applied for what is known as a "Completion Fund". In the era of the UKFC before it's dissolution, the New Cinema fund helped out film-makers who were struggling to find funds to complete their films.

Another method of funding, although somewhat unreliable, is crowd-funding. This method relies completely on the giving nature of fans of your work, or willing donators, to help fund the film. Examples of crowd-funding are particularly seen on the website "KickStarter", where directors, inventors and artists alike ask for funds, in return for rewards, or versions of the product. 

Festivals are also a great way of gaining funds. Not so much funds for completion, but rather for exhibition. Being shown at a festival means that your work would be shown to thousands of viewers, gaining all-wanted exposure, and paving the way for future releases.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/filmmaking/guide/before-you-start/funding