First Light

inspiring young film

At First Light, we fund and inspire the making of short films by young people in the UK, reflecting the diversity of their lives.

We have enabled almost 8,000 young people between the ages of five and 18 to write, act, shoot and produce over 500 films. Working with filmmakers and organisations, First Light films cover many topics and genres, and make use of accessible digital film technology.

First Light will fund:

• 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 documentary productions in any genre
• Films mainly shot on digital cameras
• Films that explore and develop creative filmmaking techniques with young people
• Films that are under 5 or 10 minutes (depending on the scheme applied to)

First Light will not fund:

• Films that promote an organisation or its activities
• Campaigning or fundraising vehicles
• Training videos
• Multimedia or web based projects
• ‘Making of’ documentaries
• Straightforward recordings of arts (or other) events
• TV style magazine programmes, video diaries or vox pops
• Pilots for longer films
• Music videos

First Light runs two funding schemes.

Pilot Award

• For one film of up to 5 mins long
• Maximum grant £4,000
• Match funding of 20% required
• Ideal for first time filmmakers

Studio Award

• For 2 to 4 films of up to 10 mins long
• Maximum grant £20,000
• Match funding of 40% required
• Track record of filmmaking with young people necessary

Deadline for applications Tuesday 18 January

For more information or to download application forms click here