Derbyshire Makes History Film Commission

Working with Animate Projects, Derbyshire Makes History is commissioning 6 films exploring the county’s heritage of making.

“We are thrilled to be working with Local and Derbyshire County Council on Derbyshire Makes History, harnessing the creative skills of filmmakers to champion the heritage makers of our home county,”
 - Gary Thomas, Director, Animate Projects.

The films - live action and/or animated - will tell the stories of the people, processes and skills involved in some of Derbyshire’s key historical and industrial products - celebrating the creativity and innovation that continue to define the county today.

Three filmmakers will be commissioned to each produce two short films exploring one of Derbyshire’s key making industries: Textiles and Knitting, Ceramics, and Mining/Quarrying.

The total fee and production cost for each commission is £18,000, with a submission deadline of 12 noon, 24 November 2025.

Derbyshire Makes History is an ambitious county-wide creative community programme celebrating the past, present and future of making and creativity across Derbyshire.

The programme is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, and is also supported by Arts Council England and Derbyshire County Council.