Wee Wonders Scotland is an early development animation talent development scheme which will support new and emerging filmmakers in writing and directing for animation by focusing on story development and authentic voices to produce four bold, brave, daring, animation shorts between 1-3 minutes in length. We encourage creatives from traditionally excluded backgrounds to apply. All those aged 18 years old and above from across Scotland may apply either as an individual or as a small creative team and we encourage applications from creatives from traditionally excluded backgrounds.
All those aged 18 years old and above from across Scotland may apply either as an individual or as a small creative team and we encourage applications from creatives from traditionally excluded backgrounds.
This scheme has also been designed to help you create a calling card for you and your team to access opportunities to upskill. Although you will be able to receive a fee/stipend, this isn’t an employment opportunity.
We are looking for original proposals of scripted outlines of the story for any animation style and techniques which are achievable within the budget and timescale, so we encourage you to think about the number of characters and set builds that you will have.
We are looking for a range of stories at the outline stage only and we are open to any age range of audience from children, family through to adult animation.
Each successful funded project will receive up to £7K funding to write a final draft script and to produce the animated film. Selected participants will also receive regular one-to-one sessions, development workshops, editorial support and industry mentorship per specialised animation style of project.
Hybrid delivery of Development Workshop dates if selected are:
– Saturday 7th February 2026 (online)
– Saturday 14th February 2026 (in person)
– Sunday 15th February 2026 (in person)
– Saturday 28th February 2026 (in person)
– Saturday 14th March 2026 (in person)
– Sunday 15th March 2026 (in person)
– Saturday 28th March 2026 (online)
Funded short animations must be delivered by October 2026.
Eligibility Criteria:
All applicants either individuals or teams must meet the following eligibility:
Age: Must be 18 years old or over (no upper age limit).
Location: Must be based in Scotland.
Education: Not be in full time education.
Experience:
- You can apply if you are a new artist, established artist, or not a working artist, but this would be your first theatrical funded animation.
- Must not have been funded to make a film before by a TV broadcaster, film funding body, or another funding scheme.
- Writer(s) and writer/director(s) can come from other creative and artistic professions outside animation.
- You can apply if you have animation experience and have credits in other roles in an animation production apart from writer(s) and writer(s)/director(s).
- You can apply if you have made a student film/animation film or self-funded film.
Availability:
- Must be able to attend all online and in person development workshops.
- Attend regular weekly to fortnightly online one-to-one meetings with Programme Manager.
- Meet online with your assigned industry mentor.
- Deliver a final draft script by Monday 23rd March 2026.
- Deliver a completed animated film by October 30th 2026.
Application Criteria:
- Can apply as an individual or as a small team.
- Short animated films must be original stories.
- Films can be of any genre.
- Films can be of any animation style and including mixed techniques.
- Mixed media is acceptable but at least 80% of the completed film must be fully animated.
- We are looking to support up to four films that reflect a range of audience ages that cover U, 12, 15, 18 certifications.
- We are looking for story outlines that can be turned into scripts.
- We are unable to accept drafts of scripts.
- Films can be made in any language.
- You should be able to provide evidence of your passion for animation.
How to Apply:
ALL applications should be made via the online application form (JotForm link here).
Applications can also be accepted in other formats including:
- Video or audio recording.
- Written or recorded in other languages beside English, i.e. Gaelic, Scots or BSL.
- Hard copy by post.
For audio/video submissions we ask for you to upload your file as an unlisted YouTube link which you can copy the URL and paste into the section on the JotForm application form.
On the written application form we will ask:
- For your name, email address, applicant’s role.
- If there is already a team in place and if so, their names and roles.
- For a short biography and for you to tell us your background (Max 300 words or 90 seconds for audio/video submissions).
- For a CV/Filmography as an attachment (optional)
- The project’s title.
- The style of animation.
- For a logline (Max. 100 words or 30 seconds for audio/video submissions)
- The outline – tell us everything from beginning to the end about your story idea (Max. 500 words or 3 minutes for audio/video submissions).
- Personal statement (or statements if applying as a team) of why you want to make this film and why you would benefit from being part of the Wee Wonders Scotland scheme (Max. 300 words or 90 seconds for audio/video submissions).
- For video links (and related passwords) or other visual materials of previous made work.(optional)
Please contact via email: wilma@visiblefictions.co.uk if you require any assistance with applying or if you require the guidelines or application form in a different format.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Monitoring :
Individuals or teams who apply will be contacted via email to fill out an equal opportunity monitoring form. The data gathered is anonymous and helps to foster a more positive, innovative, and productive work environment by ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities for all participants.
Timeline and Assessment Process :
Deadline for application is 12 noon on Monday 15th December 2026. Applications after this time will not be accepted.
Once we have received your application, you will receive a confirmation email.
All applications will go through a formalised assessment process.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview where questions will be given in advance. Interviews will take place of 28th and 29th January 2026 via zoom.
We aim to provide and achieve a relaxed conversational style interview with you and 2 members of the selection panel, and we will request if we can record the zoom session for the remaining selection panel members to watch back. The zoom recordings will be deleted by 3rd February 2026.
All applicants will be notified of the decision via email no later than 8 weeks after the deadline date.
We will be unable to give feedback on individual applications.
Access Support:
If any members of your team have personal access needs that will incur a cost during the development or production of your short animation, you can apply for additional funding support.
This can include but not limited to:
- Transport
- Accommodation
- Communication assistance such as BSL interpreter, note taker, speech to text reporter, lip speaker, translation of documents either in English or if English is not your first language into other formats/language, including Easy Read, large print or audio
- Personal Support Assistance
- Childcare
Please email wilma@visiblefictions.co.uk if you would like to discuss access requirements.
Complaints Procedures :
If you wish to make a complaint against the application outcome, please email: laura@visiblefictions.co.uk
