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
This stage 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.
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)
Stage Two
This stage involves a ten minute pitch presentation to a panel of CFS staff and Carlie Tufnell Spark Fund stakeholders. The panel will ask questions for up to ten minutes after the presentation.
The project must be managed through a production company that is directed by the CFS graduate(s) who have won the bid - the project cannot be managed by any other party or entity.
Key Dates
Stage One - 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.
Stage Two - Pitch Presentations begin w/c November 9th. The successful pitch will be confirmed by w/c November 16th.
The Carlie Tufnell Spark Fund award will be presented at Graduation on Wednesday, December 2nd.
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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