Home > News > July 2004 > 06-Jul-2004

Lottery funding to help next generation of film talent

SHREK 2 is not the only film fairytale this summer thanks to £164,500 of Lottery funding to help the next generation of film talent.

Fairytales from Wolverhampton and Edinburgh, the story of a modern day Cyrano De Bergerac who sends poetry by text, and the tale of a tongue-stealing cat called Zip are amongst the films benefiting from a total of £164,500 from the UK Film Council's First Light young film-makers programme, the UK Film Council announced today.

Over the forthcoming months, First Light, which funds novice movie-makers between the ages of five to 18, is backing 20 projects involving 445 young people in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in an effort to discover the next Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley or film director Danny Boyle (28 Days Later).

The films include On My Toes a documentary echoing the themes of the hit British film Billy Elliot; Love Texty the story of a modern day Cyrano De Bergerac who substitutes the quill for text messaging; an animation about a tongue-stealing cat called Zip; a drama inspired by rapper Eminem's 8 Mile film; a social drama based on the work of an acclaimed poet; a creative documentary on the renovation of an old, derelict cinema and a period drama/thriller shot in a large mansion in Falkirk; and a live action film that explores Scottish folklore, worldwide myths and legends.

The money from First Light has been awarded to projects in London, Tunbridge Wells, Newton Abbot, Cardiff, Bristol, Creswell, Wolverhampton, Northumberland, Paisley, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Belfast, Folkestone, Liverpool, Huddersfield and Swindon.

John Woodward, the UK Film Council's Chief Executive Officer said, "The UK has produced some of the best filmmakers in the world but we've got to develop the next generation of film talent now for an even more successful industry in the future.

"First Light represents the biggest push in the UK today to give young people the chance to learn new skills and develop their creativity through making films. This funding will enable young filmmakers to project their ideas and imagination on to the big screen."

Films Minister Estelle Morris said, "Initiatives like First Light lay the groundwork for future generations of film makers. First Light enables them to explore their creativity and develop their skills in a hands-on setting.

"It is essential we give young people such opportunities if we are to develop the talent that will steer our film industry to future success."

Catherine O'Shea, First Light Director, said, "First Light has already been lucky enough to receive some excellent films from the UK's young filmmakers. However, what's really encouraging this round of funding has demonstrated that fantastic ideas are continuing to be generated from all over the UK. We have high hopes that these projects will result in First Light films to be proud of."

First Light was launched in May 2001 to fund and inspire the making of short films, reflecting the diversity of young people's lives.

To date First Light has enabled over 7,500 young people to work with organisations and filmmakers to write, act, shoot and produce over 500 films, covering a myriad of topics and genres, using digital film technology.

Training and development books

Discover books on a variety of training and development topics at the Training Reference Bookshop

Source suppliers

Visit the Training Reference Directory to view supplier details for a wide range of courses, products and services.

Sponsored links

Back to top