Ever wanted to produce your own film events? Aunty Social is recruiting five producers for a development programme that will see them design and deliver their own event at Blackpool Film Festival 2027
Aunty Social, the creative organisation behind Blackpool Film Festival, is on the hunt for five producers to join its Creative Producer Development Programme. The bursary-funded seven-month scheme hands participants the reins to design and deliver their own event as part of the 2027 festival.
The programme is aimed at early-to-mid career independent producers based in Blackpool who want to build a career producing events, whether that’s exhibitions, gigs, community projects or film.
The creative development programme is built around a placement with the festival itself, with participants developing their own idea from first concept through to delivery and evaluation, working in a community setting alongside festival partners, creative professionals and volunteers along the way.
Each producer gets a £1,500 training bursary, paid in instalments, plus a budget for their event and access to hot-desking space in Blackpool town centre. There’s plenty support behind the scenes too – 18 training sessions in total, split between Aunty Social/Blackpool Film Festival staff and visiting industry professionals, alongside informal group catch-ups and ongoing one-to-one mentoring and careers advice.
Catherine Mugonyi, director and co-founder of both Aunty Social and Blackpool Film Festival said:
“We really want to make sure that exciting and inspiring creative projects and events continue to happen in Blackpool.
“We know there’s a lot of potential out there but it’s really hard to learn all of the processes on your own. This programme is all about offering that helping hand from someone who’s been there before – someone who’s worked in industry and can help to show you the way. It’s about building up your confidence so that you can create wonderful and rewarding experiences.”
The training itself is designed to cover the parts of producing that rarely make it into a job description – fundraising, budget management, artist liaison, health and safety, engaging local audiences – as well as the less tangible skills of troubleshooting, partnership-building and anticipating problems before they land on your desk.
By the end, participants should have a real event under their belt to add to their CV or portfolio, along with a network of contacts built through the process.
Backed by Creative Blackpool and funded by Arts Council England, it’s a scheme that fits into the wider efforts of Blackpool’s cultural sector investing in home-grown talent rather than importing it.
Catherine added: “There is work out there for producers, and funding opportunities too. I hope that this development programme will give the participants the space and support to create something engaging, thoroughly planned and well-documented to add to their portfolio.”
How to apply
Applications are open now via the online form on the Aunty Social website or you can submit a video application. The deadline is 5pm on Thursday 27 August 2026. Anyone with questions, or who fancies a chat with the team before applying, can email Aunty directly.
