Breakthrough Film Fund: Short Film Development Workshop

Join us in the ABC Clubhouse for a short film development workshop where we will give you feedback and development strategies for your own project, as well as some general tips for making your project stand out.

You don't need an idea to attend, but if you are developing a short film, whether it's the kernel of an idea, a completed screenplay, or something in-between, we'll help you get it submission-ready.

Breakthrough Film Fund founders Baldwin Li and Matthew Boone will be joined by Naomi Ayres, an experienced producer and educator who has recently completed BFI funded short film PHEASANT.  Naomi began her career working in commercials and music videos, then progressed to producing a broad range of film projects: from animations in Switzerland; to a short film on a boat in Newcastle; and a documentary feature in South America.

Breakthrough Film Fund was founded in 2026 by Baldwin Li and Matthew Boone.

Baldwin is an Oscar® and BAFTA-nominated film producer whose first major short film THE VOORMAN PROBLEM, starring Martin Freeman, was nominated for both a BAFTA and an Oscar®.  His debut feature film ENGLAND IS MINE, a biopic based on the early life of pop icon Morrissey, was released in cinemas worldwide in 2017. He has numerous feature film and TV projects in development, and also teaches in higher education.

Matthew’s career began in the music industry, where her co-built an award-winning independent record label, leading an in-house creative team.  He went on to direct music videos for major international clients such as Universal Music and Warner Music Group, alongside working as Course Leader for a BA (Hons) Filmmaking degree, overseeing production of over hundred short films each year.