The UK animation industry is set to receive a significant boost with the launch of Animation Featured a high-impact development accelerator introduced by the Manchester Animation Festival (MAF). This initiative aims to fortify the UK’s feature animation pipeline and support the next generation of independent filmmakers and studios. As the UK animation sector continues to gain international acclaim, Animation Featured is designed to ensure that ambitious animated features can be developed, financed, and produced within the UK, fostering a thriving ecosystem of talent, investment, and production activity.
The program, supported by the BFI National Lottery Creative Challenge Fund is crafted to bridge the gap between creative vision and marketplace readiness. It equips filmmakers with the structural, creative, and financial literacy required to move an animated feature from concept to production. Over a seven-month period, from September 2026 to March 2027 selected projects will undergo an intensive development journey, culminating in a fully developed package ready for the international market.
The Animation Featured Development Journey
Participants in the Animation Featured program will engage in a comprehensive blend of mentoring, group work, one-to-one sessions, workshops, and presentations. This holistic approach ensures that filmmakers gain the advanced skills needed to compete globally. The program’s curriculum is designed to be applicable not only to the current project but also to future work, company growth, and long-term career development. Notable mentors include Ruth Fielding Producer and Joint Managing Director at Lupus Films and Richard Beek Producer of acclaimed works such as Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom and Early Man.
Networking and Industry Connections
Beyond its development elements, Animation Featured serves as a high-value networking environment. Filmmakers will connect with peers, industry experts, and decision-makers who can become future collaborators and partners. This networking aspect is crucial for reinforcing Manchester Animation Festival’s role as a leading force in UK animation and strengthening the wider ecosystem by ensuring a steady pipeline of feature-length projects ready for production.
Support and Funding
The program is fully funded by the BFI National Lottery Creative Challenge Fund with additional support from Screen Scotland and Northern Ireland Screen. Participants are paid for their time, allowing creators to focus wholly on developing their work and advancing their careers. This financial support underscores the commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring that high-potential projects emerge with commercially robust packages capable of securing domestic and international investment.
Comprehensive Training and Development
Participants will have the opportunity to refine their scripts, train in the art of pitching, and learn directly from acclaimed animation professionals through lectures and detailed case studies of successful animated features. Producers will deepen their understanding of co-production models, animation production management, financing and budgeting, legal frameworks, marketing, festival strategy, and negotiation—all essential components of navigating today’s global animation marketplace.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
Dr. Steve Henderson Festival Director at MAF, emphasizes the importance of the program in preparing UK animation talent for global investment. He states, The UK has no shortage of animation talent and, with so many pitching events around the globe, we need a way to get our world-renowned ideas ready for investment. Animation Featured does just that—plugging a gap to get UK animated feature films to market and onto the screen. We can’t wait to work with the filmmakers to change the shape of the global animation feature film industry.
Mia Bays Director of the BFI Filmmaking Fund, highlights the program’s role in supporting the UK’s animation talent. She notes, The UK has a strong reputation for animation talent, yet the pathway from development to production for animated features remains fragile. We are delighted to support Manchester Animation Festival through the Creative Challenge Fund to deliver this ambitious programme, combining creative development with practical business and market training to help filmmakers compete internationally and secure production partners. As one of the first Creative Challenge Fund programmes focused on animated features, we are excited to see the impact it has on the selected projects and the wider sector.
Expressions of interest for the Animation Featured program will open on Monday, 27 July 2026 and close on Sunday, 16 August 2026. For more information, visit the Manchester Animation Festival website.
