Multiple Oscar-winning director Ridley Scott has praised a "great initiative" that is giving young people in the north-east of England 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 Gladiator, Alien, Bladerunner and Thelma and Louise, and who grew up in the north-east, said: "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."
Interested pupils and teachers should contact reel@firstlightmovies.com in advance of the 17 March 2006 deadline.
