Carlie Tufnell Spark Fund
In memory of Carlie Tufnell, a former student of Central Film School, the charitable trust established in his name has created a developmental fund to support new CFS graduates bring their short film projects to life.
The award is allocated through written bids followed by a presentation. Shortlisted applicants will pitch to a panel of CFS staff and trustees of the Carlie Tufnell Charitable Trust.
The fund reflects Central Film School's essence: giving graduates the real production experience to make their creative ideas a reality.
How to Apply
The Carlie Tufnell Spark Fund is open to all students graduating in 2026. It is a £15,000 grant for a short film (maximum 25 minutes), to be shot in 2027. Graduating students from any course are welcome to apply.
Stage one consists of a project submission, detailing your film idea and basic production plan. Films of all genres are acceptable. Please note, films should be self-contained shorts (no proof of concepts for features) and must be filmed entirely within the UK. No external production company or organisation may be involved in the winning production.
Your submission should include:
- A script, maximum 30 pages (A4)
- A draft budget (all cast and crew must be paid from this)
- Your Principle Crew roles (The majority of these must be filled by CFS students/alumni)
Key Dates
Project submissions close on Monday, 19th of October 2026 at 5pm. Late submissions will not be considered.
Please send all documents in one email to spark@centralfilmschool.com.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an in-person pitch, with outcomes shared after the fact.
The 2025 Carlie Tufnell Spark Fund Project: Maybrick
Based on the life of Florence Maybrick. A young American socialite in Victorian Liverpool is condemned for murdering her husband, who may himself have been a monster history never unmasked.
Written and Directed by: Charlotte Rose Ainsworth and Lorna Lennon Dalziel
“I look back on it really fondly, like the whole experience. I think when we were actually shooting the scenes, It felt like magic. I felt that kind of beautiful thing you feel whenever you're directing something. You're like, oh we're making something really good here."
Charlotte Rose Ainsworth
CFS Alum, Co-Director of Maybrick and winner of the 2025 Spark Fund
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