Manchester Animation Festival

Call for submissions: Animation Featured 2026

27th July 2026

Are you a UK producer currently developing a feature-length animated project? 

Looking for a structured support programme to take it from early-to-mid development through to a fully realised package, ready to enter the international market for financing?

Animation Featured is for you!

Taking place from Mon 28 September 2026 to the end of March 2027, Animation Featured is open to UK producers with a track record in animation who are developing a feature-length animated project.

The programme will mix in person events (two residencies and two industry events – including one international trip) with periods of online activities and self led development, culminating in a final showcase. 

Through a blend of mentoring, group work, one‐to‐one sessions, workshops, and presentations, participants gain the advanced skills needed to compete globally – skills they can apply not only to their current project, but also to future work, company growth, and long‐term career development. 

Participants will advance their scripts, train in the art of pitching and get access to inspirational lectures by acclaimed professionals and detailed case studies of successful projects. Producers can gain resourceful knowledge on financial and creative aspects of animation production, deepen their knowledge in areas such as co-productions, animation production management, financing and budgeting, legal aspects, marketing, festival strategies and negotiation.

Mentors include Ruth Fielding, Producer and Joint Managing Director at Lupus Films (Kensuke’s Kingdom, Ethel & Ernest and The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland) and Producer Richard Beek (Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, Wallace & Gromit Vengeance Most Fowl and Early Man). 

Participants are paid for their time on the programme, ensuring creators can focus wholly on developing their work and advancing their careers. 

Sounds like something for you? For more information and to apply please visit www.manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk/animation-featured/ 

Deadline: Sun 16 Aug 2026, 23:59

Programme runs Mon 28 Sep 2026 – Thu 25 Mar 2027

Delivered by Manchester Animation Festival and supported by the BFI National Lottery Creative Challenge Fund, awarding National Lottery Good Cause funding, with additional support from Screen Scotland and Northern Ireland Screen .