Volunteer Filmmaking

The 2010 Volunteer Filmmaking scheme, run by Media Trust’s award winning productions department, is now open for applications from any charity, not-for-profit or voluntary organisation with an annual turnover of less than £2 million. Volunteer Filmmaking matches professional filmmakers with small charities to create short promotional films at a fraction of the normal cost.

The short films, which can be up to five minutes in length, will also be guaranteed a broadcast slot on national television channel, Community Channel.

Now in its sixth year, Volunteer Filmmaking has produced more than 125 films for small charities in England working in a wide range of areas including youth, health, disability, community, sport, arts and the environment.

Georgia Dussaud, Head of Content Production at Media Trust said, “A professional film can easily cost in the region of £10,000 so this is a unique opportunity for small charities to promote their work through film. Each film is produced by TV professionals who volunteer their time and skills to help the charity, so both sides gain from the experience.”

Christine Hawthorn, from J-U-M-P said, "Like lots of other charities our resources are limited. As a result of the broadcast on Community Channel there has been lots of positive feedback and offers of help. People have also contacted us through our website and on Facebook where we have a link to the film. We feel sure that the wider distribution of the film will bring in more voluntary support, which is invaluable to us. Thank you Media Trust for enabling us to show potential supporters and children and their families what we can achieve"

Volunteer Filmmaking is part funded by the Office for the Civil Society with the aim of supporting small community organisations and encouraging volunteering in the film and television industry. To date, the scheme has seen the equivalent of £1,250,000 donated in time and resources by the media industry.

For further information and an application form, visit http://www.mediatrust.org/get-support/productions/volunteer-films/ - call Amanda Whittington, project manager for Volunteer Filmmaking on 020 7217 3628 or email amandaw@mediatrust.org 

 Applications are open until 12 noon on Monday 26 July.