A FILM company is offering grants an support to new Cumbria-based documentary makers.
Northern Heart Films (NHF) set up a scheme to support ‘emerging documentary makers’ in the Northwest and are looking for Cumbria-based applicants.
The fund was established last year and has supported three filmmakers so far, and NHF said it has boosted their career opportunities and connections.
It supports the making of a short documentary over the course of six months, and applications are currently open for this year’s fund which is larger than last year’s.
An NHF spokesperson said: “This year three more emerging filmmakers will win a £1,000 grant courtesy of Wigan Council and Creative Lancashire plus a bunch of other prizes from our generous supporters.
“This includes a professional sound mix and colour grade at Sticks & Glass, an industry pass to Sheffield DocFest, one of the world’s leading documentary film festivals and mentorship from the founders of Northern Heart.
“Not only that but the three filmmakers will also be invited to screen their films and take part in a Q&A at cinemas in the North and South courtesy of Leigh Film Factory and Olympic Studios.
"This is a wonderful chance for the filmmakers to show their work to industry professionals and gain valuable connections to help boost their careers”.
Scott Bradley, co-founder at NHF, added: “Northern Heart is a brand we have built over the past seven years.
“We are passionate about telling proper stories and working with organisations that care.
“That passion expands to how we work behind the camera.
“We are supporting new filmmakers and challenging our industry leaders to do the same.”
Natasha Hawthornthwaite, co-founder of NHF, added: “We set this up because we genuinely believe there’s a lack of funding and support for independent documentary filmmakers in the UK.
“Chances of funding are even slimmer when you're based in the North, outside of London and you’re from a working-class background.
“As filmmakers ourselves we know that many start by making short independent films, mostly with zero funding.”
Northern Heart will be running an online drop in session on December 5 at 6pm for potential applicants to meet the founders and ask questions.
To book a place, click here.
The theme for 23-24 is ‘Working Class’, and as such they’re seeking documentary projects that celebrate and explore the lives, experiences and triumphs of the working class.
Applicants could be a working-class filmmaker or have an idea that could offer a new perspective on working-class identity.
Northern Heart said it hopes that including this theme will offer a voice to the working class and shed light on their often-overlooked perspectives.
The deadline for all applications is midnight January 5, 2024.
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