PLATFORM presents The Slate
The Slate is a practical filmmaking and talent development initiative from PLATFORM, delivered in partnership by Phoenix, Badshoes Film and Liminal Screens.PLATFORM presents The Slate
The Slate is a practical filmmaking and talent development initiative from PLATFORM, delivered in partnership by Phoenix, Badshoes Film and Liminal Screens.
Over the next nine months, PLATFORM will support the collaborative* development and production of three new short films created by Leicester and Leicestershire based participants. The films will screen for the first time at Phoenix in March 2027 as part of a special red-carpet premiere.
What is The Slate?
The Slate is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience making a short film within a supported learning environment.
Whether you are interested in writing, directing, producing, camera, sound, editing, production design, acting or any other aspect of filmmaking, The Slate is designed to help participants build confidence, practical experience and connections through collaboration.
You do not need professional credits to take part. We welcome people from across Leicester and Leicestershire who are interested in storytelling and filmmaking.
How does it work?
We are currently looking for writers or writer-directors to pitch ideas for short films.
Three projects will be selected by a diverse panel of industry professionals. Selected ideas will then move into a supported development process with guidance from the PLATFORM team to help shape the projects into achievable productions.
Crews will be assembled from local participants interested in developing skills and experience across different production roles.
The Slate is a development opportunity and not a grant programme. PLATFORM will provide mentoring, production support, equipment access and insurance through the collaborative creation of the films.
What can I submit?
You must be over 18 to apply.
You can submit either:
- A completed treatment
- A first draft screenplay
Your idea must:
- Reflect an aspect of Leicester or Leicestershire life, identity or culture
- Include no more than three speaking characters
- Use no more than two locations
- Not include children or animals
- Not infringe the IP of others
- Result in a final film between four and eight minutes long
What support will participants receive?
Selected productions will receive:
- Development support and mentoring
- Guidance through the filmmaking process from development to delivery
- Support assembling cast and crew
- Advice on making shorts in way that limits their environmental impact
- Production insurance
- Catering and transport support for cast and crew
- Access to industry-standard camera and sound equipment
- Access to editing software
- Descriptive captions for the completed films to make the work accessible to audiences who are Deaf or have hearing loss.
- A DCP file of their film
- Advice on festival strategy and exhibition
- A premiere at Phoenix
Key dates
- Drop-in sessions to speak with a member of The Slate team: 12-5pm Thursday 18 June 2026 Phoenix Café Bar & 7pm-9pm Thursday 25 June 2026 Phoenix Café Bar
- Informal advice on pitching session: Thursday 9 July 2026 Phoenix Terrace Room
- Pitch submission deadline: Thursday 16 July 2026
- Pitch event: Thursday 30 July 2026 Phoenix Terrace Room
- Development, production and post-production: August 2026 – February 2027
- Premiere screening: March 2027 Phoenix Screen 1
Application submission: https://forms.gle/JowYTvQ8XsuHhsHw6
Want to know more?
For questions or access requirements, contact: [email protected]
* To see our definition of collaborative, click here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14-EHhiBax3S-2ilArNoUN7kmMlzfvLHM?usp=share_link