BookFlicks - FAQ's

  1. Do I need to be a certain age or based in the Midlands to apply?
    1. Nope! You only need to have worked with us on either BBC New Creatives, BFI Film Academy, Point of View, Random Acts or Teme Valley Youth Project. There is no age or geographical limit for the project.
  2. For Stage 1, can I apply using any book e.g. Factual, Fiction, Graphic Novel etc? 
    1. Yes, you can use any book that might be found in a library. Stage 2 is celebrating the debut novelists featured at Hay Festival 2023. They will be fiction, but Stage 1 is wide open.
  3. Do I need to have made a film before or have past-experience with filmmaking?
    1. No! We're looking for strong ideas, there is no need to demonstrate past film experience unless you would like to highlight previous things you've made in your application. Remember you do need to have worked with us on either; BBC New Creatives, BFI Film Academy, Point of View, Random Acts or Teme Valley Youth Project.
  4. How do I apply?
    1. You need to fill in an application form found here. Please note: we also accept applications made via video. If you're having any problems applying or require help with your application form, please email RachelL@ruralmedia.co.uk
  5. Do I need to attend all the Inspiration Workshops in order to apply?
    1. No, you don't need to attend any or all of the workshops in order to apply, but it is recommended in order for you to learn more about what makes a good application.
  6. Where will the films go/be seen?
    1. The content will be shared across social media on Rural Media's BookFlicks social media platforms. If you are part of Stage 2, your films will also be shown at Hay Festival 2023.
  7. Could I make a joint application with someone I regularly collaborate with?
    1. Yes. If you have worked with us before, please apply using your name on the application form and then outline how you would collaborate with a person/persons in your application.
  8. What is Hay Festival?
    1.  Hay Festival is an annual literature festival held in Hay-on-Wye for 10 days from May to June. One of the worlds’ leading art and literature festivals, it brings readers and writers together to share stories and ideas in events live and online.
  9. What are the Inspiration Workshops?
    1. Rachel and Elle from the BookFlicks team are holding some online workshops, where they will be going into more detail about the project, offering advice on how to write your applications and answering any questions. To book your spot, visit ruralmedia.co.uk/BookFlicks/workshops
  10. For Stage 2, who will the authors be? 
    1. The authors will be first-time published writers, chosen by Hay Festival as part of their 2023 10@10 feature.
  11. Is copyrighted material allowed? i.e. using pre-existing soundtracks
    1. Elle, who you will work with on the distribution of your films, will make sure the music you use is copyright free. For Stage 1 films, it is advised to use sound/music available within the social media platform. For the Stage 2 films, it is also recommended you use copyright free music. Rural Media have access to a vast bank of copyright free music. Rachel and the Rural Media head of production will be on-hand to make sure what you choose is available and copyright free.
  12. What target age group is this project looking at? Are you looking for books aimed at kids?
    1. At the heart of this project is the desire and objective to get young people engaging with books (of any description) as more and more research is revealing that the younger generations are simply not reading for pleasure. We're not necessarily looking for films aimed at kids, but young adults is a good reference to think about when writing your application. BookFlicks is exploring whether people might be steered towards a book via visual persuasion. Therefore, there’s no real barrier on the content of the books, as long as the films are presented in an engaging manner.
  13. Are you looking at 4 very distinct and visually individual ideas or a pitch for 4 episodes of a series?
    1. Either! If you want your four films to feel like they come from the same family – aesthetic, design, sound, style of music – then that’s fine, as long as people don’t think they’ve seen it before because it looks so similar in the opening seconds. Alternatively, each film can feel completely different.
  14. Has choosing books by POC or any other minority audiences been addressed? 
    1. Representing minority creators and audiences is central to both Rural Media and Hay Festival. All Rural Media policies and processes are driven by a commitment to create opportunity for disadvantaged communities, diverse talent, and to produce compelling content for diverse local, national and international audiences. This document outlines our guiding principles with regard to diversity and representation within and for Rural Media.
  15. Would animations be accepted?
    1. Animations would be very welcome, provided you can evidence having experience in this field and also that they will be completed within the time frame.
  16. With regards to budgeting, if we are paying people are we having to abide by a BECTU rate or can we pay a flat fee for someone for the whole project? 
    1. In theory, Stage 1 should be lo-fi and not require huge costs – filming, editing and graphics can all be done on a decent phone. Stage 2 however will be budgeted in the same way as any short film we make here at Rural Media, you will work alongside our Head of production. If you have a specific question about a paid role that you’d like to discuss, please get in touch directly.