An Education, from director Lone Scherfig and writer Nick Hornby

BBC Films is the feature film-making arm of the BBC. It is firmly established at the forefront of British independent film-making and co-produces approximately eight films a year.

Working in partnership with major international and UK distributors, BBC Films aims to make strong British films with range and ambition.

We are committed to finding and developing new talent, as well as collaborating with some of the foremost writers and directors in the industry.

BBC Films is looking for strong, multi-genre, original feature films with stories which will perform internationally; the intention is to produce high quality films which will attract top directing, writing and acting talent.

A selection of BBC Films' latest projects

Out now

Salvage: Laurence Gough directs Colin O'Donnell's bloody suburban nightmare. In order to reunite with her estranged daughter a mother must overcome whatever it is picking-off the residents of her Wirral cul-de-sac. Neve McIntosh, Shaun Dooley and Linzey Cocker star. Released in cinemas and online on 20 March 2010, available on DVD 22 March 2010.

Still in cinemas

An Education, a a delightful romantic drama from director Lone Scherfig and writer Nick Hornby, based on an article by journalist Lynn Barber. The film stars Carey Mulligan in a BAFTA-winning debut, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina and Emma Thompson. The film has had a phenomenal run of awards success, including Academy Award® nominations for Best Picture, Screenplay and Actress following seven BAFTA nominations and an Orange Rising Star nomination for Carey Mulligan. Released on 30 October 2009.

Coming soon from BBC Films

Valhalla Rising, co-written and directed by maverick filmmaker by Nicolas Winding Refn. Mads Mikkelson plays One Eye, a mute warrior of supernatural strength, who has been held prisoner by the Norse chieftain Barde. Aided by a boy slave, One Eye slays his captor and together they escape, thus beginning a challenging and mystical journey into the heart of darkness. Released 30 April 2010.

StreetDance: a London dance crew training for the UK Street Dance Championships are forced to work with ballet dancers from the Royal Dance School in return for rehearsal space. Charlotte Rampling heads a diverse cast of new and emerging dance and acting talent including Nichola Burley, Richard Winsor, George Sampson, Diversity, and Street Dance Champions, Flawless. Directed by the award winning promo duo Max and Dania and written by Jane English, StreetDance is the first British movie to be shot in 3-D. Released 21 May 2010.

Kicks, the story of two teenage girls (Nichola Burley and Kerrie Hayes) who bond over a mutual crush on a Liverpool footballer (Jamie Doyle). When things go too far, their fantasy quickly descends into a nightmare. Directed by Lindy Heymann from a script by Leigh Campbell, this is the second film to be released under the low budget Digital Departures scheme. Released 4 June 2010.

Recent theatrical releases

Bright Star, Jane Campion's return to period romantic drama. The film stars Ben Whishaw as Keats and Abbie Cornish as his first love. Early festival successes were closely followed by a string of award nominations, including an Academy Award® nomination for Costume Design for Janet Patterson, and an Evening Standard Film Award nomination for Best Film.

Edge of Darkness, an emotionally charged thriller from director Martin Campbell, from an adaptation by William Monahan and Andrew Bovell. Set at the intersection of politics and big business, Mel Gibson plays Thomas Craven, a veteran homicide detective on a mission to uncover the mysteries behind the murder of his only daughter.

The Men Who Stare At Goats: Grant Heslov directs George Clooney, Ewan MacGregor, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey in this hit quirky comedy. From a screenplay by Peter Straughan, this story is inspired by unbelievable-but-true revelations in the best-selling, non-fiction book by Jon Ronson.

The Boys are Back: Scott Hicks directs this heartfelt drama from an adaptation by Alan Cubbitt, based on the memoir by Simon Carr. Clive Owen plays journalist Joe Warr, tragically thrust into single parenthood who has to find a way to reconnect with his sons.

Glorious 39: Romola Garai, Bill Nighy and Julie Christie star in Stephen Poliakoff's tense psychological thriller, in which a young woman uncovers a world of dark secrets in the lead up to the Second World War.

Nativity!: Debbie Isitt's smash hit comedy, starring Martin Freeman as school teacher Paul Maddens who is charged with the biggest challenge of his life: mounting the school's musical version of the Nativity. Ashley Jensen, Jason Watkins and Marc Wootton also star.

In the Loop: a contemporary comedy from satirist Armando Iannucci, a bold and cutting look at international politics from inside the 'special relationship'. The film has received many international awards and nominations, including an Academy Award® nomination for Best Screenplay.

The Damned United: Brian Clough's fateful 44 day reign at Leeds United. Clough is portrayed by Michael Sheen, directed by Tom Hooper from a Peter Morgan adaptation.

Highlights from the Back Catalogue

Is Anybody There? John Crowley directs Michael Caine and Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey and Bill Milner in this charming tale of an unusual friendship between a retired magician and a child obsessed with the afterlife.

Revolutionary Road: based on the celebrated novel by Richard Yates, Sam Mendes' film features Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet (in a Golden Globe winning performance), as frustrated suburbanites in a story of thwarted passion and the search for fulfilment.

The Duchess: Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes star in this adaption from the biography by Amanda Foreman of the turbulent life of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. Features Academy AwardŽ and BAFTA winning costume design by Michael O'Connor.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas: directed by Mark Herman, adapted from the best-selling children's book by John Boyne. The film stars David Thewlis, Vera Farmiga and Asa Butterfield.

Eastern Promises: David Cronenberg's gripping drama, featuring critically hailed performances from Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts.

The History Boys: directed by Nicholas Hytner from Alan Bennett's adaptation of his own award-winning stage play.

Red Road: writer/director Andrea Arnold's Cannes Prix du Jury prize-winning first feature.

Notes on a Scandal: Dame Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett star in Richard Eyre's gripping drama. A Patrick Marber adaptation from Zoe Heller's novel.

Dirty Pretty Things: Stephen Frears' gripping thriller set in modern-day London from a Steven Knight script, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Audrey Tatou.

Billy Elliot: Stephen Daldry's tale of a young boy learning to dance. BBC Films' most successful film to date: it has taken some $100m worldwide, won three major British Academy Film Awards and was nominated for three Academy Awards®.

Contact:

BBC Films only accepts submissions from agents or production companies. Unsolicited scripts should be sent to the BBC Writersroom.

Page last updated 14 April 2010