For the Happy Festival Bury 2023 we are looking to commission an up-and-coming filmmaker from Greater Manchester/Lancashire to create a short film.

Happy is a Festival inspired by the work of Victoria Wood and the way she made her audiences feel. We are seeking filmmakers with a demonstrable commitment to a career in filmmaking, who will benefit from our support at this point in their career. The film will be shown as part of the Happy Festival in May 2023 and will continue to be showcased in the Moving Image Gallery at Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre until 19th August 2023. We also plan to enter it into UK film festivals. The fee for creating this finished piece of work is £2,500 (including all production and expenses).

If your application is successful we want you to produce a 7-12 minute film, either a drama or comedy inspired by the work of Victoria Wood. We are not looking for a pastiche of Victoria's work, rather a film/approach that is inspired by Victoria and her unique style, rooted in the everyday, that so many people have been able to connect with. 

The final selection will take place on the 9th - 21st Jan 2023

Interviews on 27th Jan 2023

The succesful filmmaker will be informed on 1st February 2023.

The film must be fully completed and ready to show at the festival by 9th May 2023. 

Qualifying criteria - you must be based in Greater Manchester/Lancashire & be an emerging or mid-career film maker. 

Sorry but we cannot accept the following - students/documentary film makers/musicals/examples of work filmed on zoom, TikTok or on stage. 

This is a Victoria Wood Foundation, Arts Council England, Bury Council funded project.