The hunt is on for filmmakers in the Midlands to take part in a series of events in Birmingham later this year.
They will be held monthly at Impact Hub in Digbeth and are designed for writers, directors and producers.
They are part of the British Film Institute's NET.WORK which brings together the UK's film agencies to discover, develop and fund new and emerging talent.
Creative England is working with the Flatpack Film Festival on the events which start in September and run until January.
Applicants must have experience in the creative sector to receive one of the 40 spaces such as work in the film, TV, animation theatre and visual arts sectors.
Paul Ashton, senior film executive at Creative England, said: "Flatpack came to us with an innovative proposal to develop talent in the Midlands and their film festival shows they have real form, profile and personality in regional film activity.
"We expect the module to have a motivating and unifying effect on talent at a key stage in their careers - and we very much look forward to reaping the benefits of that."
The programme offers information on a range of film-related topics, from distribution tips to fundraising and telling stories to maintaining creative vision, with industry professionals offering up their knowledge and experience.
Peer-to-peer learning plus opportunities to network with fellow local filmmakers will also be a focus of the sessions.
Sam Groves, programmer at Flatpack Film Festival, added: "It's a really great opportunity for filmmakers in the region to meet each other, develop their networks, and build working relationships with peers specialising in different areas of the industry and in different parts of the Midlands.
"Participants will also hear from some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the country so there's a lot to be excited about."
The deadline for applications is August 17.
