Volunteer Films 07

TV & VIDEO PRODUCERS NEEDED FOR THIRD SERIES OF VOLUNTEER FILMS

MEDIA Trust Productions are appealing directly to filmmakers wanting to give their time and skills to charity, as part of a series of short films to be broadcast on Community Channel. Volunteer Films matches low-funded charities with TV and video producers willing to make 3-minute films that can be used to increase awareness or recruit volunteers. Now in its third year, the project has raised the profile of over 50 small not-for-profit organisations, which would otherwise have struggled to be seen or heard.

Since it’s launch in 2005, the equivalent of £500,000 has been donated in terms of skill, time and resources by the TV and video production industry. The project has produced films covering a range of issues and topics such as conflict resolution, environmental campaigns, minority communities, youth outreach and disability awareness.

Whilst the project is a chance for the TV industry to volunteer their skills, it can also provide a good training opportunity for up and coming producers. BBC Training produced 3 films for last year’s series, and leading production companies Fulcrum TV, Two Four Productions and Isis Media all contributed to the project. Celebrity support was also shown, with voiceover and appeals given by Jon Snow, DJ Spoony & Bollywood actress Juhi Chawla.

How it works: A production team is given £500 and 2 months to make a film that is essentially for and about the charity. All films are broadcast on Community Channel and integrated into a charity’s marketing strategy. Previous films have been screened at local cinemas, streamed onto networking websites and broadcast on BBC2 Learning Zone. Production begins September 07 and will run through to February 2008. The project is open to anyone working in the Film, TV and Video industry around the country who would like to get involved, particularly those with close links to production companies or facility houses that are likely to have in-house resources available.

For more information, please call 020 7874 7640 / charlotteg@mediatrust.org / www.mediatrust.org