Distinct Voices Diverse Lives

WRITERS and Directors in East Lancs are being urged to apply for the Distinct Voices Diverse Lives training scheme.

First Take is running this brilliant project, backed by North West Vision, the strategic film, TV and digital media agency for England’s Northwest.

The project is aimed at those who are currently under-represented in the film industry and applications are particularly encouraged from disabled people, people from black and ethnic minorities, other minority groups and women.

Fifteen writers and ten filmmakers will be trained, with five short films going into production after the training. The emphasis of the training will be on writing and directing the short film.

Everyone will get at least one credit on a short film and the films will then be screened both in Lancashire, and in Liverpool at a major screening during the Capital of Culture year in 2008. All the films will be entered into festivals both nationally and internationally.

The next deadline for this unique project is on 22nd June 2007. “We’re looking for enthusiasm and commitment rather than experience, and I would all would-be Lancashire filmmakers to apply,” says Lynne Harwood, Director of First Take, organizer of the training.

The project is divided as follows:

Distinct Voices
This is aimed at writers who wish to learn how to write a short film. 15 writers will be selected. Distinct Voices, as the title suggests, is looking for new and distinct voices. Distinct Voices will include 6 x 1/2 days working with a professional writer drawing from UK Film Council commissioned material, devised by the screenwriting guru Phil Parker.

Diverse Lives
Diverse Lives is aimed at people who want to become directors. Participants will learn the necessary skills involved in production and post-production but will concentrate on how to direct a short film and how to achieve their own vision for a film.

The deadline for applications is 22nd June.

Download the PDF for full information on Distinct Voices Diverse Lives: icondvdl el.pdf (2.82 MB)

For a copy of the application form, download the following: iconApplic form DVDL.pdf (432.74 KB)

For more information contact:
all@first-take.org
www.first-take.org