Mediabox Preston Sept 07

LANCASHIRE YOUTH OFFERED CASH FOR CREATIVE IDEAS

LANCASHIRE teenagers interested in making media projects are being invited to a special free presentation on September 26 at Preston College, to learn how to turn their creative ideas into cash.

“This will be a perfect opportunity for young people aged between 13 and 19-years-old, to learn how best to harness their creative talents, and apply for funding to get their ideas off the ground,” explains Anjum Malik, Mediabox co-ordinator for Northwest Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the region’s TV, film, radio and digital content industries.

“We’re looking for a range of creative projects, from making a film, exhibiting a project or running a festival, to creating a comic. We’re open to all suggestions, because by encouraging creativity we hope Lancashire’s young people will gain new skills which will benefit them in later life,” she adds.

Mediabox is a multi-million pound government fund, which could see grants of up to £80,000 being made to youth groups across the region.

Several Northwest groups have already benefited from the scheme, gaining funding for their media projects, using film, television, print, radio or online platforms. But the search is now on to get even more media projects off the ground, and the spotlight is now shining on Lancashire.

“We’re particularly keen to encourage young people from the Preston and Lancashire area to get involved in Mediabox,” explains Anjum. “The Preston College presentation will only last for two hours, and places will be limited, so I’d urge everyone who is interested to register today. Groups will gain a real insight into the diverse range of projects which Mediabox can support – it really will be worthwhile attending!”

The Department for Education and Skills has invested £6 million in Mediabox, which is run by First Light Movies, Media Trust, Skillset and the UK Film Council. It’s Northwest Vision and Media’s aim to attract as much of that money as possible across Lancashire and into the Northwest.

The My Mediabox grant is open to individuals or groups applying for up to £1,000 to make their project work. The Mid Mediabox grant offers up to £20,000 for group projects, and the Big Mediabox grant will invest up to £80,000 in youth or media focused organisations.

“Northwest Vision and Media exists to grow the film, TV and digital media industry in our region, and so encouraging grass root young talent to invest in and explore the industry, is an important part of our work,” explains Anjum.

Once an application has been approved, the Mediabox team will offer advice and guidance, and upon completion of the project, distribution and exhibition of the work will be encouraged.

· The free Mediabox presentation at Preston College, Moor Park Campus, Preston, will be held on September 26 between 1-3pm. Places are limited to 40 guests, and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. However, you can reserve a place by contacting Jason Turton, Head of Visual and Performing Arts at Preston College on tel: 01772 225 611 or email: jturton@preston.ac.uk

· The next application deadline for Mediabox grants is November 20 2007. Interested organisations and young people should visit www.media-box.co.uk for guidelines and application forms.

Mediabox