Resources: Funding focus - First Light

What will it fund? Films where young people aged five to 18 take a lead role in all aspects of production. Films can be live or animated, dramas or documentaries, but they should always explore creative film-making techniques. The scheme will not fund straightforward recordings of events, promotional or fundraising vehicles, training films, video diaries or vox pops. Films will be made mainly using digital equipment, be under 10 minutes long and based entirely in the UK.

Who can apply? Grants won't to go to individuals, but to groups and bodies such as youth clubs, schools, drama groups and arts organisations. Feedback suggests films that are popular with First Light are ones that are made "for film's sake", and not restricted to a particular issue. For example, the Rural Media Company worked with Herefordshire Youth Service to make five short films in genres including comedy, chase and "rom com". Among the outcomes were increased media literacy, engagement with those with otherwise poor literacy skills, and a positive learning environment including instant feedback, teamwork, specialised roles and empowerment.