Member Article

Two North East funds launch to drive youth film participation

Two new funds have luanched in the region to boost the existing provision of film activity for, with, or by children and young people in the region.

Bridge North East and Tyneside Cinema are seeking involvement from organisations for The North East Filmmaker Fund and North East Venues Research & Development Fund.

The North East Filmmakers Fund is offering grants of up to £2,000 for individuals or organisations involved in film making.

Money could be used towards employing a writer or an editor for a project, mentoring young people or accessing formal training. The grants are available to support professional practice, not to support young people or filmmakers who wish to make a film.

The North East Venues R& D Fund is offering grants of up to £1,500 to venues demonstrating a genuine desire to develop their own provision and explore new ways of engaging children and young people with film.

The funds must be used to support the testing of new activity or the significant development of existing work to provide a sustainable legacy.

Helen Green, head of Bridge North East, which provides practical support to promote young people’s engagement with the arts, said: “Professional development opportunities for filmmakers working, or wanting to work with children and young people are scarce.

“These funds will help filmmakers enhance their own professional practice, develop a network of filmmakers and exhibitors across the region and raise the standard of provision for children and young people.

“Whether it be in Northumberland, Durham, Teesside, Tyneside or Wearside we hope this initiative will prove a catalyst for enhancing the support and sharing best practice for individuals and organisations involved in developing the emerging talent across the region.”

Holli Keeble, Tyneside Cinema’s projects manager said, “We’re thrilled to be working with Bridge North East to launch these two new funds that will support the region’s venues and filmmakers to develop their work with young people.

“Funding for film projects is scarce and there is little in the way of professional development in the sector. We’re therefore excited about the potential this offers venues and filmmakers to develop their skills and try new ways of working with a view to provide a better regional offer for children and young people to get engaged with film.”\

To find out more on how to apply for the funds visit www.tynesidecinema.co.uk, email anna.casey@tynesidecinema.co.uk or call 0191 2275524.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .