An innovative project helping young film-makers across the UK discover what the industry is really like, has had a massive impact since it launched in May 2001, writes Caroline Ling.
?First Light? is dedicated to nurturing film culture for 7-18 year-olds from all social sectors. Backed by Lottery funding from the Film Council and managed by Hi8us First Light Ltd, it provides grants and support for young people to produce digital short films.
More than 200 films have been made, and currently some 3,500 young people from youth clubs, groups and schools are involved in First Light film-making. Using low-cost digital technology, they work with professional film-makers and gain experience in all aspects of writing, acting and production. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for one film and up to £36,000 for two to six films. First Light has been particularly successful in encouraging links between young people and the film industry. For example, in Liverpool a group of teenagers has recently worked with professional writers Jimmy McGovern, Irvine Welsh, Chrissie Glazebrook, Laura Hird, Kevin Sampson and Frank Cottrell Boyce as part of a project to produce five films. The writers were extremely enthusiastic about their involvement and are keen to maintain links.
Diversity and social inclusion is a priority for First Light, and young people from ethnic minorities, with disabilities and from all social backgrounds are encouraged to get involved. For many young people experiencing a sense of achievement, increased confidence and enhanced self-esteem has also led to better behaviour at school and home. Sheffield Independent Film and Television has also made films through First Light, but initially faced problems. Some young people taking part were excluded from school, others had behavioural problems, and some had low literacy levels. The film-makers had to devise ways to minimise disruption and inspire enthusiasm. One young man, who was particularly disruptive in the early stages, said later, ?I wouldn?t come if I wasn?t enjoying it and I come every day, so I must be.? Several parents and teachers commented on a change in the young people?s behaviour during the project.
A wealth of film-making talent has been discovered and many young people have been spurred on to pursue work experience, further training or employment in the sector. Two actors who made a film with Black Pyramid Film & Video in Bristol were ?spotted? on the trip to the Bafta Teen nation event in London and have since been featured on ITV?s ?Stuff? programme. Two who worked on a project in North London obtained places on college courses in arts and media. One girl enjoyed editing so much that following a placement at the BBC, she is applying for jobs as an off-line editor, and another is now on a moving image course at Salisbury College after using his First Light film as an example of his camera work.
Caroline Ling is PR Manager at Hi8us First Light Ltd. t: 0121 693 2091; f: 0121 693 2096; e: press@firstlightmovies.com ; w: http://www.firstlightmovies.com