How We Help.
"The team continually track new and upcoming talent via Shooting People. We want to inspire and support the next generation of writers for the big screen."
Creative England Film Department
"Finding a DP for the short fiction I was producing seemed like the key to the whole film. We got a lot of responses to our Shooting People call out and I still can't believe we found someone so talented who clicked with the director brilliantly from the first meeting. They've continued to work together on projects since."
Jenny Horwell Independent Producer
"Shooting People is an important resource for anyone blindly attempting to penetrate the mysteries of the film industry. The contacts you make there can be contacts for life!"
Alice Lowe Actress and Director of ‘Prevenge’
"Shooting People is a brilliant showcase for the UK’s creative, curious, and inspirational emerging film community and we love the way it connects them to the rest of the world. We use it all the time to tell filmmakers about our own opportunities (funding and projects) - and to track the amazing talent that is connected to this community."
Briony Hanson Director of Film, British Council
"Shooting People lives and breathes independent film"
Danny Boyle Director of 'Slumdog Millionaire,' ‘Trainspotting’
"Shooting People is crucial for filmmakers looking to meet their peers and find paid work within the industry"
Matimba Kabalika Talent Coordinator at BFI.NETWORK
"My first short was crewed through Shooting People and it went to Sundance. Good times"
Jack Thorne Screenwriter of ‘Skins’, ‘This Is England '86’, ‘A Long Way Down’
"Online communities like Shooting People are a great way to find people to collaborate with"
Manon Ardisson Award-winning Producer of 'God's Own Country'
"I joined Shooting People and answered an advert for someone looking for a producer, which led to making my first short film. After this I’d caught the bug for producing."
Emily Morgan BAFTA-winning Producer of 'I Am Not a Witch'
"I found my entire crew through Shooting People and they were all incredible professionals. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved on Shooting People…You make this community what it is! I have made contacts and friends that I hope to work with for life."
Kristopher Williams Director
"Can't remember the last time I had so much fun & felt so much love at a Q & A. Spending time with fellow enthusiasts who love film & film making was inspiring & uplifting - Shooting People is an incredible, vital organisation for all film makers and I'm so grateful I got to be part of it. Thank you Cath & Shooting People team!"
Jessica Hynes Actor, Writer & Director of 'Years and Years', 'The Fight, 'Spaced'
"Shooting People helps a community of filmmakers - actors, writers, directors - to connect in an industry that can otherwise sometimes seem slightly impenetrable, inaccessible. And it’s a lot of fun."
Alex Lawther Actor - 'The Imitation Game', 'End of the F**king World', Wes Anderson's new film 'The French Dispatch'
"As an independent filmmaker it’s so wonderful to have this kind of support and exposure. I’ve been a member of SP since the start of my career."
Chloe White Director, Winner: NEW SHOOTS 2018
"Shooting People is an amazing resource. When I started I felt really alone - connecting with the SP audience was fantastic because there were other people just like me."
Orlando Von Einsiedel Oscar-nominated Director, Virunga
"Shooting People is a necessity for anyone who works, lives and breathes independent film"
Morgan Spurlock Director, Super Size Me
"I got my first job through Shooting People"
Desiree Akhavan Sundance Grand Jury Winner 'The Miseducation of Cameron Post'
"Shooting People was a great introduction into the film world for me! Like-minded people, with links to resources, good advice and a network. It’s a great way to meet potential collaborators, cast and crew, and they do networking events"
Alice Lowe Director and Actress ‘Prevenge’
"I wish I had Shooting People when I was growing up, searching for a community of likeminded people. It’s a vital lifeline for filmmakers and writers."
Peter Strickland Writer/ Director 'In Fabric', 'Duke of Burgundy', 'Berberian Sound Studio'
"Shooting People helped me to take my work from the kitchen table to the big screen."
Rachel Tunnard Director, BIFA Winner 'Adult Life Skills'
"I've loved (and used!) Shooting People since it started. A wonderful and brilliantly creative community."
Mike Figgis Director 'Leaving Las Vegas', Author 'Digital Filmmaking'
"The New Shoots Actors competition from Shooting People is a hugely beneficial boost for actors in the industry."
Ruby Richardson Actor, New Shoots Actor Winner 2020
Belong. Connect. Collaborate.
Shooting People is a vibrant community of independent filmmakers, writers, actors and industry. We facilitate creativity in film, helping our members connect and collaborate to get their films made and seen.
Membership of SP includes;
- Paid and Collaborative Roles - find production work or find collaborators for your own shoot
- Funding and Competitions Directory - updated directory of current opportunities, grants, funding, UK wide - for directors, writers, actors, animators and producers.
- Script Pitch - find feature and short screenplays, pitch your script directly to directors and producers
- Members Network and Forum - debate, discuss, peer-to-peer information on distribution, latest kit, festivals etc.
- Daily Email Bulletins - specialist information and industry updates for writers, directors, actors, animators, crew, documentary filmmakers, composers and producers.
- New Shoots Live Events - quarterly live events to hear directly from award-winning British independent filmmakers and their teams.
- New Shoots Filmmakers Competition: free entry to short film competition running 4x year, offering £5K worth of prizes and direct one-to-one industry mentorship each time.
- New Shoots Actors Competition: free entry to actors competition running 2x year, offering £2K worth of prizes including headshot packagage, equipment and an actors grant each time.
- Short Films: have your film viewed, commented on and watch others latest work.
- Event Calendar and Training Directory (film events and training in your area)
- Resources (release forms, festival lists, production documents)
- Nikon Training: free access to Nikon training on mirrorless cameras, around the UK.
- Kickstarter Mentorship: direct support, promotion and mentorship with Kickstarter to launch your own Kickstarter project.
- Vehicle Hire with ZipCar: cheapest rates, 60UKP free credit, no signup fees, for any SP member
- Final Draft Screening Writing Software: 30% off for any SP member.
- Mubi Subscription: 3 Month Free Subscription for any SP member.
- Significant Discounts / Festivals / Other: Unique one off discounts from festivals, brands and other industry partners.
Animator.
Recent activity from Animators on SP includes:
- SP Animator Jonathan Hodgson won the 2019 BAFTA for his film 'Roughhouse'.
- SP animator David McShane won the third round of SP's NEW SHOOTS competition in 2019 with ‘Solar Plexus,’ awarding him top industry mentorship, heaps of kit and prizes.
- 12 SP animators screened work at London Short Film Festival 2019.
- Kate Jessop, Anna Ginsburg, Andrea Vinciguerra and Max Hattler had animations screening at the London International Animation Film Festival 2019.
- SP member Abigail Addison produced the animated short 'I’m OK' which is nominated for a 2019 BAFTA.
- SP animator Will Anderson was nominated for a BAFTA in 2018 for his film 'Have Heart', he previously won a BAFTA for his film 'The Making of Longbird'
Recent opportunities available to Animators on the SP site:
- Access active Animator opportunities, funds and competitions in SP’s Opportunities Directory.
- Submit a short film to SP’s NEW SHOOTS: FILMMAKERS competition for a chance to win top industry mentorship, a public screening of your short, awesome kit & prizes.
- Share ideas, techniques and insight on our Ask & Discuss forums, and receive tailored daily updates in your inbox.
- 250 roles are posted weekly to SP Production from independent filmmakers looking for cast, crew and collaborators across the spectrum of independent film.
Actor.
Recent castings and activity from Actors on SP includes:
- Trevor Kaneswaran won the first round of SP’s Actors Competition in 2019, picking up an actor’s grant, headshot package, awesome kit and prizes.
- 4 members were announced as part of BAFTA’s Breakthrough Brits.
- SP actor Alice Lowe has starred in films such as Sightseers, Locke, as well as writing, directing and starring in her feature debut Prevenge.
- SP actor Abigail Hardingham won a BIFA for her role in SP directors Ben and Chris Blaine’s Nina Forever.
- SP members Laurie Kynaston and Edwin Thomas were named as part of Screen's Stars of Tomorrow 2018, spotlighting the hottest up-and-coming actors in the UK and Ireland.
Recent opportunities available to Actors on the SP site:
- Access active Actor opportunities, funds and competitions in SP’s Opportunities Directory.
- Be in a chance to win a £250 actors grant, a headshot package, sound-recording kit, screenwriting software and other prizes by submitting to the NEW SHOOTS: ACTORS competition taking place twice a year.
- Build your network by meeting directors, writers, producers and industry at SP Events.
- 250 roles are posted weekly to SP Production from independent filmmakers looking for cast, crew and collaborators across the spectrum of independent film.
Writer.
Recent activity from Writers on SP includes:
- SP writer/director Harry Wootliff released her debut feature ‘Only You’ and was nominated for Debut Screenwriter at the 2019 BIFA’s.
- SP writer/director Ninian Doff opened Edinburgh festival with his debut feature ‘Boyz in the Wood.‘
- SP writer/directors Naqqash Khalid and Fred Rowson both had projects selected for Creative England’s iFeatures 2019 Development Lab.
- SP writer/director Dionne Edwards was chosen as one of Screen International’s Stars of Tomorrow 2019.
- SP writer/directors Benjamin Bee and Jesse Lawrence were both awarded the talent development grant, John Brabourne Award.
- 5 SP writer/directors were named as Film London’s Lodestars, honouring the bright futures of innovative filmmakers and craftspeople from across the capital.
- SP writer/director Kat Wood won the Jameson First Shot competition, flying to LA to make her film with Maggie Gyllenhaal and Dana Brunetti.
Recent opportunities available to Writers on the SP site:
- Submit screenplays to Script Pitch to attract the attention of producers, directors and collaborators, and see your ideas realised.
- Share ideas, techniques and insight on our Ask & Discuss forums, and receive tailored daily updates in your inbox.
- Submit a short film to SP’s NEW SHOOTS: FILMMAKERS competition for a chance to win top industry mentorship, a public screening of your short, awesome kit & prizes.
- 250 roles are posted weekly to SP Production from independent filmmakers looking for cast, crew and collaborators across the spectrum of independent film.
Director.
Recent activity from Directors on SP includes:
- Harry Wootliff won Debut Director at the British Independent Film Awards 2019 for ‘Only You.’
- ‘For Sama’ co-directed by SP member Edward Watts won Best Independent Film and Best Documentary at the BIFA’s 2019, has been shortlisted for Outstanding Debut at BAFTA awards 2020.
- Paul Taylor’s ‘The Blue Door’, was nominated for Best British Short Film at the BAFTAs 2019.
- 26 members screened at Edinburgh Film Festival, including Ninian Doff whose debut feature ‘Boyz in the Wood‘ opened the festival.
- 127 members screened films at London Short Film Festival 2019.
- 10 members had work screening at Sundance Film Festival 2019.
- 12 members released feature films in cinemas during 2019.
- 8 members were nominated for the Iris Prize 2019, the largest LGBT+ short film prize in the world.
- 31 members are screened at Encounters Film Festival 2019.
- 34 members screened at Underwire Festival 2019.
- Dionne Edwards was chosen as one of Screen International’s Stars of Tomorrow 2019.
- 11 members were named as Film London’s Lodestars, honouring the bright futures of 25 innovative filmmakers and craftspeople from across the capital.
Recent opportunities available to Directors on the SP site:
- Access active Director opportunities, funds and competitions in the SP’s Opportunities Directory.
- Submit a short film to SP’s NEW SHOOTS: FILMMAKERS competition for a chance to win top industry mentorship, a public screening of your short, awesome kit & prizes.
- Launch a project through our Kickstarter partnership, and receive support and promotion to crowdfund your film more effectively. 60 members were put forward in 2019.
- 250 roles are posted weekly to SP Production from independent filmmakers looking for cast, crew and collaborators across the spectrum of independent film.
Crew.
Recent activity from Crew from across the disciplines on SP includes:
- Producer Myf Hopkins (The Last Tree), Co-Director Edward Watts (For Sama) and Producer Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor (Blue Story) have been shortlisted for the BAFTA awards 2020 for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.
- Charlie Philips produced the 2019 Oscar nominated documentary short ‘Black Sheep’.
- 9 members were nominated for The 2019 British Independent Film Awards.
- Producer Sarah Brocklehurst was one of 20 newcomers nominated for BAFTA’s Breakthrough Brits 2019.
- 127 members screened films at London Short Film Festival 2019.
- Director Michael Lebor, producer Bash Balogun and editor Ben Hooton collaborated on the documentary ‘Buddy Goes to Nollywood‘ which screened as part of London Film Week 2019.
- Dionne Edwards was chosen as one of Screen International’s Stars of Tomorrow 2019.
- 11 shooters were named as Film London’s Lodestars, honouring the bright futures of innovative filmmakers and craftspeople from across the capital.
- Anna Griffin, Naqqash Khalid and Fred Rowson all had projects selected for Creative England’s iFeatures 2019 Development Lab.
- ‘The Silent’, a film crewed through Shooting People, won best short film (16+) at the Film the House Awards in the Houses of Parliament.
- Ali Farahani was the DOP on the 2018 Oscar-winning short The Silent Child.
Recent opportunities available to Crew on the SP site:
- 60 members were recommended to Kickstarter for bespoke crowdfunding support in 2019.
- 250 roles are posted weekly to SP Production from independent filmmakers looking for editors, composers, camera crew, gaffers, production designers, makeup artists, and all types of below the line crew.
- Access active Crew opportunities, funds and competitions in SP’s Opportunities Directory.
- Submit a short film to SP’s NEW SHOOTS: FILMMAKERS competition for a chance to win top industry mentorship, a public screening of your short, awesome kit & prizes.
- Build your network by meeting directors, writers, producers and industry at SP Events.
Industry.
Recent filmmaking activity of note on SP includes:
- 127 members screened films at London Short Film Festival 2019.
- 10 members had work screening at Sundance Film Festival 2019.
- 9 members were nominated for The 2019 British Independent Film Awards
- Producer Myf Hopkins (The Last Tree), Co-Director Edward Watts (For Sama) and Producer: Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor (Blue Story) have been shortlisted for the BAFTA awards 2020 for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.
- 12 members released feature films in cinemas during 2019.
- Anna Griffin, Naqqash Khalid and Fred Rowson all had projects selected for Creative England’s iFeatures 2019 Development Lab.
- Dionne Edwards was chosen as one of Screen International’s Stars of Tomorrow 2019.
- 11 shooters were named as Film London’s Lodestars, honouring innovative filmmakers and craftspeople from across the capital.
- Hetain Patel won the Film London Jarman Award 2019 and its £10,000 prize.
- ‘Radio Blackout’ by Matt Houghton was one of seven projects selected to participate in Assembly, a new creative documentary feature development lab.
Recent opportunities available to industry members and organisations on the SP site:
- 250 roles are posted weekly to SP Production from independent filmmakers looking for cast, crew and collaborators across the spectrum of independent film.
- Film organisations and independent businesses join SP as Org Members, to connect with filmmakers and let the community know about their activities.
- Access active opportunities, funds and competitions in SP’s Opportunities Directory.
- Share ideas, techniques and insight on our Ask & Discuss forums, and receive tailored daily updates in your inbox.
- Build your network by meeting directors, writers, producers and industry at SP Events.