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, recommended 20-23 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)
The whole document must be no larger than 30 pages (A4).
Stage Two
This stage involves an in-person ten minute pitch presentation to a panel of CFS staff and Carlie Tufnell Spark Fund stakeholders in the week commencing the 2nd November. 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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