PLATFORM: Idea Salon

PLATFORM Ideas Salon – Call for Applications

Do you have a narrative fiction short film, feature, or series idea you want to develop?

If you’re a Leicester-based creative sole-trader or company, the PLATFORM Ideas Salon is your chance to develop your project and gain industry insight.

What’s involved

Successful applicants will be invited to the Idea Salon Weekender on 7–8 February 2026 at Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre. Over two days you will:

• Hear from industry professionals
• Get practical advice on developing and pitching narrative fiction for the screen
• Connect with fellow local creatives

Saturday 7 February – Developing Your Idea

• Focus: Clarifying your creative vision, audience, and development pathway
• 10:00–10:30 – Welcome & Introductions
  Meet the facilitators and fellow participants. We’ll outline the aims of the weekend and how the sessions will run.
• 10:30–12:30 – Building Your Idea
  A guided workshop to explore what your project is really about, who it’s for, and why it matters. You’ll work on articulating the concept, tone, and purpose of your story and share early feedback in small groups.
• 12:30–13:30 – Lunch Break
• 13:30–15:30 – In Conversation with Simon Nelson, BBC Writers
  Simon Nelson, Development Executive at BBC Writers, will share how the team discovers and supports emerging voices across the UK. He’ll explain where BBC Writers fit within the wider BBC Drama landscape, what they look for in new talent, and how their programmes, such as Scripted, Voices, and the Pilot Programme, help writers hone their craft and connect with production companies. Simon will also unpack how to make your writing and pitch stand out, what BBC Drama looks for in new work, and the realities of getting from script to screen through an honest and practical discussion with time for Q&A.
• 15:30–16:00 – Comfort Break
• 16:00–17:00 – Reflections & One-to-One Development Work
  A relaxed session to consolidate what you’ve learned and discuss your next steps. Facilitators will arrange small-group conversations to help focus your project ahead of Day Two.
• Evening – Optional Social & Screening at Phoenix
  All participants are invited to enjoy a free ticket to an evening screening at Phoenix. It’s a chance to unwind together, reflect on the day, and connect informally with other local filmmakers and artists.

Sunday 8 February – Positioning and Pitching Your Work

• Focus: Understanding the UK development landscape and how to position your idea effectively
• 10:00–10:15 – Recap & Check-In
  We’ll revisit your goals for the weekend and set intentions for the final day.
• 10:15–12:30 – The Art of the Pitch
  Details of this session are TBC.
• 12:30–13:30 – Lunch Break
• 13:30–15:30 – In Conversation with Lauren Parker & Natasha Wilson, BFI NETWORK
  Lauren Parker and Natasha Wilson from BFI NETWORK will share how they support emerging filmmakers to develop bold, original work across short and feature formats. They’ll give a clear picture of how BFI NETWORK fits within the UK film landscape, what they look for in applications, and how to approach development with purpose. The session will combine insight, examples from funded projects, and conclude in a Q&A.
• 15:30–16:00 – Comfort Break
• 16:00–17:00 – Closing Session: Next Steps & Peer Feedback
  You’ll share your refined pitches with the group and receive supportive feedback. We’ll close with practical advice on how to take your idea forward and continue developing after the Salon.

Before the weekender, each company will take part in a one-to-one session with a member of the PLATFORM team to discuss their idea and development plans. This will help focus your thinking and ensure you get the most from the weekend.

Following the Ideas Salon, you will be required to submit a pitch deck for your project by 12 March 2026.

Apply

To find out if you are eligible to apply for our Ideas Salon and to answer our call for submissions, click here.

The application window runs from 18 September to 5 December 2025.

Applicants will be informed of the outcome by 12 December 2025

If you have any questions or need support with your application, please contact us at [email protected].