First Light Youth Film Fund - Pilot Awards

Financial assistance is available to organisations to make a short film of less than five minutes. The film should be made by young people aged 5-18 years, collaborating with film professionals.

Up to £5,000 is available, covering 80% of total costs.

First Light was set up to provide funding and inspiration for the development, production and exhibition of short films made by young people across the UK - films that represent and embrace the diversity of their lives, stories and dreams.

Organisations can get funding to make a short film of less than five minutes long. The film should be made by the young people themselves, collaborating with film professionals. The intention is to encourage fruitful, creative partnerships between organisations that work with young people, filmmakers and the film industry.
Latest Information

The current deadline is 11 January 2011.

Eligible organisations include:

* Community or amateur groups.
* Colleges or universities.
* Schools.
* Trusts or foundations.
* Local authorities.
* Youth groups.
* Voluntary organisations.

Organisations must have:

* A written constitution.
* A dedicated bank account in the name of the organisation.
* A track record of working with 5-18 year olds.
* Film-making experience.

Applications should be able to demonstrate:

* A creative, innovative, imaginative filmmaking idea.
* How the project will reach young filmmakers who may not have previously had access to filmmaking opportunities.
* How young people will be involved at all stages of the project and what benefits they will gain including:
o Developing team work skills.
o Develop increased skills in filmmaking, information communication technology (ICT), literacy and communication.
o Learn transferable life skills and become more aware of their own learning.
o Gaining fun and enjoyment through working on a filmmaking project.
* Strength of support, including any collaborations or partnerships involved. Evidence should be provided that the project is suitably staffed and the organisation is capable of carrying out the idea.
* A well researched budget that shows value for money.


First Light will fund the following activities:

* Films where young people (aged 5 - 18 years) take a lead role in all aspects of the production process.
* Live action, animated fiction or creative documentaries.
* Films that explore and develop creative filmmaking techniques with people aged 5-18.
* Films that are under 5 minutes long.
* Films made in the UK, primarily involving young people who live in the UK.

The cost of buying equipment is eligible, but up to a limit of 10% of the total project cost.
Match Funding Restrictions

Up to 80% of overall costs will be covered to a maximum of £5,000. Applicants must demonstrate 20% of matched funding.
Restrictions

An organisation cannot have two First Light awards running at the same time.

The scheme will not fund:

* Films that promote an organisation or its activities, campaigning or fund-raising vehicles.
* Music promo videos.
* Training videos.
* Multimedia or web projects.
* 'Making of' documentaries.
* Straightforward recordings of arts (or other) events.
* TV style magazine programmes, video diaries or vox pops.
* Pilots for longer films.
* Films that are over five minutes long.

For further information email