Lottery gives young people in the North East the chance to walk the red carpet

Multiple Oscar-winning director Ridley Scott today praised a “great initiative” that is giving young people in the North East the chance of a lifetime to learn about the film industry and develop their creative potential. Futures in motion is an innovative new competition run by First Light, the UK Film Council’s youth initiative, in conjunction with The National Lottery.

The competition aims to showcase the creativity of young people across the region, by challenging students from 170 schools and 43 youth groups to develop an idea for a short film highlighting the impact Lottery funding has had on their community.

The winning group will then be offered a unique opportunity to work with professional directors, creative talent from advertising agencies and mentors from the world of film to develop their ideas and produce their short film, before attending a high profile national premiere. The film, along with one made by young people in Scotland, will be screened at a selection of cinemas across the UK, over the internet and on TV.

Ridley Scott, director of acclaimed films Gladiator, Alien, Bladerunner and Thelma and Louise, and who grew up in the North East, said in support of Futures in motion:

“Film is always a very powerful way for young people to realise their creative potential. I would certainly hope that the Futures in motion Competition can offer many opportunities to youngsters to express themselves in filmmaking and they will be inspired to contribute and will learn from their experiences. It is a great initiative on behalf of the National Lottery and the UK Film Council’s First Light project.”

Pip Eldridge, Chief Executive of First Light, said:

“We are delighted to be working with The National Lottery on this exciting project. The medium of film is a great means to engage with young people in a creative and enjoyable way; to research and get inside Lottery funded projects in their local area. The films will also offer an excellent opportunity for young people to understand how filmmaking works.”

“The North East has always enjoyed an abundance of creative talent, and film has been an integral part of this - from Ridley Scott to Jamie Bell, Get Carter to Billy Elliott.

“We’re hoping that young people from the region will be inspired by this home grown talent, as well as by the real difference that National Lottery funding has made to the North East. Futures in motion will be a fantastic opportunity for young local talent to express themselves and realise their creative potential through film - demonstrating how the National Lottery is opening up opportunities for careers in the industry through this competition, as well as through its wider investment in UK film.”

The National Lottery has invested £150 million in the UK film industry through the UK Film Council, funding landmark British films such as The Constant Gardener, Bend it Like Beckham, Ladies in Lavender and Gosford Park. It is also the main funder of Scottish Screen and wholly funds First Light, the UK Film Council’s initiative for young people to teach them about and inspire them to get involved in the world of film.

Since launching in 2001, First Light has helped almost 10,000 young people, aged between five and 18 years old, shoot, act, and produce over 650 films, with some excellent results.

Young people looking for inspiration for the project have a wealth of Lottery funded projects to choose from in the North East. The Lottery has invested a total of £800 million in everything from grass-roots initiatives, to landmark projects such as the BALTIC Centre, the Sage, Gateshead International Stadium and Anthony Gormley’s Angel of the North sculpture.

Interested pupils and teachers should contact reel@firstlightmovies.com in advance of the 17 March 2006 deadline.