Creative Opportunities
This page is dedicated to sharing creative opportunities both here at Exeter Phoenix and from other creative projects and organisations in the region.
Current Opportunities
Grierson Sessions - celebrating 100 years of documentary with support for freelancers
deadline: Fri 24 Jul
Celebrating 100 years since John Grierson coined the term 'documentary', the Grierson Sessions support the factual freelance community by strengthening professional growth, helping to build a resilient factual workforce for the next century.
From CV clinics and talent manager meetings, to masterclasses and career clinics with Grierson Trustees, this programme is designed to provide year-round activity to bolster skills and connections across the UK documentary workforce.
This block of sessions includes…
- Free one-to-one Career Clinics with Grierson Trustees (deadline to apply 24 July)
- A masterclass on breaking through as a documentary director (taking place 16th July)
- CV feedback one-to-ones (deadline to apply 24 July)
Find out more and how to apply here>>>
New Voices: Step Up
Applications close Tue 11 Aug at midday
The Watershed in Bristol are re-launching a a mentoring scheme for working-class directors and screenwriters, in partnership with Bristol AF Productions.
After a successful pilot in 2024, they will be offering up to six places on this scheme. Mentors include Paul Holbrook, Sophie Reynolds and Dionne Edwards (with one more to be announced).
Mentees will benefit from three 45-minute online meetings with industry professionals over a four-mouth period with actions and notes provided. The team aim to inspire and motivate, and to provide tools, resources and plans for their next steps.
Find out more and apply here>>>
Applicants must be over 18, out of full-time education and based in the south west of England to apply.
Producer Lab
Applications open Tue 21 July
Applications close: Tue 25 Aug
BFI NETWORK South West, in partnership with Screen Cornwall and Exeter Phoenix, are pleased to announce a new one-month Producer Lab. This lab will support six producers based in the south west of England who have experience in producing short films (live action, documentary, or animation), or in producing documentaries, commercials, corporate films, or promotional content. It is also open to those with a background as a TV production manager or coordinator. Participants should be aiming to transition into producing financed, scripted projects and to develop a slate of short films through their own production company. Across online sessions and one in-person day, we’ll offer practical guidance and insights – including soft skills – that participants can later apply to larger budgets and long-form projects.
Exeter Northcott Scratch Night in collaboration with Exeter Phoenix (Elevate Festival)
Applications close 10am, Mon 28 Sep
Exeter Northcott Scratch Night in collaboration with Exeter Phoenix offers South-West based artists in need of an audience a chance to stretch their ideas and the opportunity to test their work in the Clifford Room at the Barnfield Theatre, along with £150 to help develop their idea and a small amount of rehearsal space before the Scratch Night.
This Scratch Night will be taking place at Barnfield Theatre during Elevate Festival on Mon 02 Nov, 7pm - 9pm.
Two Short Nights Film Festival 2027: Short Film Submissions
Submissions are now open for Two Short Nights Film Festival 2027 for short films from every genre including drama, animation, documentary, artists moving image, experimental and music videos.
The 25th edition of Two Short Nights Film Festival will take place at Exeter Phoenix on Thu 04 Mar and Fri 05 Mar 2027.
Submission Deadlines and Fees:
- Early Bird Deadline: Sun 31 May (£6)
- Regular Deadline: Fri 31 Jul (£9)
- Late Deadline: Mon 31 Aug (£12)
- Extended Deadline: Wed 30 Sep (£17)
Ongoing Opportunities
Creative Hub Publication
Looking for creative opportunities in the South West? Our Creative Hub publication shares monthly updates on all things creative in Exeter.
Commissions
Every year Exeter Phoenix commissions new work, primarily from artists, filmmakers and theatre makers based in the South West region.
Little Scratch Night
What comes before Scratch? The itch, of course!
Little Scratch is an informal, safe and nurturing space for local creatives to not only talk through their ideas, but to connect with fellow creatives about the kind of work they want to create, on a monthly basis.
Exhibiting Opportunities
Gallery333 is a dedicated space to exhibit small, contemporary art installations. It is an intimate ‘window’ gallery space with a secure glass door situated in a busy location within the building. Dimensions are 125cm high x 74cm wide x 36cm deep.
NEW BAND SHOWCASE
New Band Showcase is a regular opportunity for emerging musicians to perform on the big stage at Exeter Phoenix! We are a proud supporter of new talent and accept applications to perform at future New Band Showcases on an ongoing basis. Please email us with a link to listen to your work.
Join Our Team Of Volunteer Stewards
None of the day to day activity at Exeter Phoenix could be accomplished without our passionate team of volunteers and staff to make it happen. We’re always looking for new people to get involved.