Impact Together, the non-profit entity run by Together Films, is delighted to announce the launch of The Business of Impact, supported by the BFI Creative Challenge Fund, awarding National Lottery funding. This is a new development Lab & Pitch designed to support UK-based producers to build, refine, and pitch socially resonant, commercially ambitious scripted features.
Delivered across five months, the programme will support 10 projects and up to 20 emerging and established producers to sharpen their commercial strategy while developing rigorous, real-world impact campaigns. The Lab offers a rare opportunity for filmmakers looking to strengthen the strategic foundations of their projects and position them for success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
This Lab addresses a common gap: many creative projects lack the strategic packaging, financial structuring, and cross-sector partnerships needed to move from development to production in these challenging times. The programme provides a structured, supportive environment to guide producers toward readiness and long-term resilience, especially when producing work that has an impactful intent. A major element of the development programme will be to offer insight and introductions to non-traditional financiers who may be interested in supporting the selected projects (who may come from philanthropic, foundation sources, or new equity partners)
Participants will take part in ten virtual sessions and two in-person development days, culminating in a high-profile live pitch event in June 2026. Each producer will present their project to a curated room of industry leaders, financiers, philanthropic supporters, and distribution partners who actively champion innovative, socially relevant storytelling. This pitch day serves as a rare access point to decision-makers capable of meaningfully advancing a project.
“We’re delighted to launch The Business of Impact Lab & Pitch, an initiative that responds directly to what producers tell us they need: strategic clarity, financing pathways, and access to the right people. Scripted projects with social relevance are essential to shaping public imagination, and this Lab gives creators the practical and commercial support to bring those stories to life. Creating a new pitching forum to bring together stakeholders from philanthropy, branded entertainment, foundations and equity partners aims to increase financial support for both production and distribution. We can’t wait to champion the next wave of bold, impactful films” – Sarah Mosses, Founder & CEO, Together Films
The Business of Impact is open to UK producers developing scripted film projects with clear social relevance and commercial ambition. Ideal applicants will be emerging or established producers with at least one credited production, now seeking to build out the strategic roadmap for their next project. The programme is especially suited to projects that demonstrate potential to engage communities, partners, or audiences beyond the screen.
Mia Bays, Director of the BFI Filmmaking Fund, said: “Designed specifically for producers developing scripted feature films, The Business of Impact Lab addresses a vital gap in the industry by deepening expertise in finance, impact strategy, and packaging – core disciplines that determine whether projects thrive or stall. By providing structured, high-level business support, the Lab equips participants not only to build an impact campaign framework aligned with mission-driven and commercial success, but to scale their creative visions with confidence. We look forward to the bold projects and innovative financing and release strategies that will emerge from this collaboration.”
The Business of Impact Lab is delivered by Impact Together, supported by the BFI Creative Challenge Fund, awarding National Lottery funding.
The deadline for submissions is Friday 2nd January 2026, 23:59
For more information, eligibility criteria, and to submit your application, go to our application page.
About Impact Together
Impact Together is the non-profit arm of Together Films, dedicated to strengthening the capacity of filmmakers to create stories that drive cultural, environmental, and social transformation. We equip creators with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to design and deliver their own impact strategies, offering advisory support, mentorship, consultancy, and practical resources.
Working across the creative, philanthropic, policy, industry, and third sectors, we help filmmakers build the partnerships and pathways they need to realise their vision, reach audiences worldwide, and spark meaningful change. Our work champions a thriving, diverse, equitable, and sustainable screen industry where powerful stories can shift perspectives, mobilise communities, and broaden opportunities for all creators, regardless of background.
By strengthening the practice of impact storytelling and demonstrating its value, Impact Together contributes to a healthier ecosystem for independent film; one in which bold ideas flourish, audiences are activated, and filmmakers are supported to change hearts and minds.
About Together Films
Together Films is a marketing, distribution, and sales company serving the international film industry. We are passionate about supporting impactful stories that both entertain and inspire audiences. Our previous impact campaigns include For Sama (C4, PBS), Roll Red Red (PBS, Netflix), Fashion Reimagined (Sky), The Tale (HBO) and Battleground (Starz). Our commitment to delivering both purpose and profit inspired us to launch a sales agency division specialised in impact storytelling. Backed by the BFI Global Screen Fund, Together Films Sales represents titles including DOC NYC Grand Prize & Grierson Awards winner Mediha (Directed by Hasan Oswald), In Camera (Produced by Mary Burke and Juliette Larthe), and audience favourite Your Fat Friend (Directed by Jeanie Finlay)
About the BFI Creative Challenge Fund
The BFI Creative Challenge Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, supports organisations to devise and deliver labs and workshops which respond to identified ‘challenges’ set to help address specific gaps across the industry. By decentralising project development, the Fund seeks to enable a wider ecosystem in which emerging UK filmmakers can develop new projects.
The fund was launched in October 2023 and the first round supported 86 projects and 130 writers, directors, producers and immersive artists.
The BFI is a cultural charity, a National Lottery distributor, and the UK’s lead organisation for film and the moving image.
Our mission is:
- To support creativity and actively seek out the next generation of UK storytellers
- To grow and care for the BFI National Archive, the world’s largest film and television archive
- To offer the widest range of UK and international moving image culture through our programmes and festivals – delivered online and in venue
- To use our knowledge to educate and deepen public appreciation and understanding
- To work with Government and industry to ensure the continued growth of the UK’s screen industries
Founded in 1933, the BFI is a registered charity governed by Royal Charter.
The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Jay Hunt OBE.
