XR

XR stands for Extended Reality. It’s an umbrella term that covers immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). XR experiences blend digital content with the physical world, or place users entirely inside digital environments, allowing them to interact with stories, spaces and information in new and engaging ways.

New and Emerging Producer

A new and emerging producer as defined by British Film Institute (BFI) refers to a producer who is in the early stages of their professional career and not yet fully established in long form filmmaking or relevant screen sector practice. This typically means:

• ‘Emerging’ is defined as having no more than three feature film projects produced and/or comparable television, theatre or immersive work.

• Has been working professionally in production for a period (e.g. at least three years’ full-time experience in producing or equivalent industry roles).

Creative Technologist

A Creative Technologist is someone who works at the intersection of creativity and technology, combining artistic thinking with technical skills to design and build innovative digital experiences. They often experiment with emerging technologies such as XR (VR, AR and MR), real-time engines, interactive installations, AI, sensors and creative coding.

The role is both conceptual and practical, bridging the gap between creative vision and technical execution. 

Many traditional technical and craft roles in film and games already involve skills that translate directly into creative technology. Creative technology often builds and converges on this existing expertise.

For example:

Games developers (programmers, technical artists, designers) regularly work with real-time engines, interaction design and systems thinking.

VFX artists, animators and motion designers use digital pipelines, 3D tools and real-time rendering.

Cinematographers, editors and sound designers use strong composition, spatial awareness and timing skills that are essential when working in non-linear and immersive formats.

A Creative Technologist role will vary depending on a team’s project specification. We welcome project teams with a Creative Technologist who may have a track record in the technical crafts within their respective disciplines, as long as the project lead is confident that team deliverables can be met.

Does my project need to be focused on narrative IP?

Yes.

I don’t reside in the UK. Can I apply? 

All team members must:

• Be based in the UK and have the legal right to work in the UK. For the avoidance of doubt, resident in the UK is defined as paying tax within the UK.

• Applications from Northern England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are strongly encouraged

I am a sole Producer without team members to take into the programme. Can I apply?

No. Due to the programme deliverable’s, a team of 3 within their respective disciplines has been identified as necessary to meet each team’s project deliverables for the programme.

The project I want to take into development exploits pre-established IP (Intellectual Property) . Is this ok?

Yes that is ok, and encouraged. If you are bringing a project into the programme with pre-established IP, we will need to see evidence in your application of your right to do so.

What stage should my project be?

The project should be at a stage suitable for prototype development and pitching to financiers.

Are limited companies eligible to apply?

Yes.

Are charities eligible to apply?

No.

Can students apply?

Yes, providing they meet the rest of the selection criteria.

I already have development or slate funding for my project. Am I still eligible to apply? 

Yes, as long as your project has not been green-lit or in a production stage.

I am a New and Emerging Producer, but my experience is in Film, Television or Games. Am I still eligible to apply?

Absolutely! We are looking for fresh, new perspectives within XR development alongside New and Emerging Producers who may already be working within immersive content. 

What funding is available?

A working stipend of £1772.80 per team member (£5318.00 per team.)

How will it be paid?

If successful, 50% payment will be made upon signing programme contract and the remaining 50% will be made on submission of project deliverables.

How many projects will be funded?

10 projects will be funded.

What support is available to help me apply?

We welcome applications in both written and video (visual) formats. If you would like to make a request for a video application, please contact rory@belfastxrfestival.com

We are also hosting a series of information events, both in-person and online. To find out more about these sessions please see the ‘Find out more before you apply’ section above.

Can I make an application in an alternative language?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications in languages other than English.

How will applications be assessed?

Applications will be assessed by both the programme team and a select number of XR and Screen Industry professionals. 

If there is an unprecedented number of applications, the initial selection will be a portfolio shortlist against the key assessment criteria, and shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview in order to confirm the final selection of the cohort.

When will I find out that my application has been successful?

February 11th 2026.

If I am unsuccessful in my application, will I receive feedback?

Unfortunately, we will be unable to offer individual application feedback if you are unsuccessful.

How will my team’s participation be contracted?

Successful applicants will be contracted directly through the Belfast XR Festival following governance and guidelines from the BFI.

Does BXRF or Amplify:XR Labs retain any right to IP?

No. All project IP is held solely by the corresponding project team, with the project lead being responsible for its governance.

We are hosting a number of information sessions, both online and in person. The online session will be recorded and posted for potential applicants who are not available to join. 

Online Zoom: 

Belfast:

Derry/Londonderry:

Enniskillen: 

If your enquiry is not covered within the sessions or our FAQ sections, please contact: 
rory@belfastxrfestival.com

For technical and team enquiries: eva@belfastxrfestival.com

For project application and accessibility enquiries: rory@belfastxrfesival.com

XR is an ever growing umbrella term, and we expect every project that is taken into development to have different media outcomes. 

Core areas of focus that we are looking for in XR narrative focused projects: 

• VR (Virtual Reality)

• AR (Augmented Reality) 

• MR (Mixed Reality) 

• Screen Based Installations

• LBE (Location Based Experiences) 

• Single and Multi-player Media

• Spatial and Ambisonic Audio