Mediabox Carlisle

CARLISLE’S YOUNG MEDIA TALENT OFFERED CASH

CARLISLE teenagers and youth organisations interested in the media are being invited to a free roadshow on Thursday April 26 at The Assembly Room, to hear how they can claim cash from a multi-million pound fund.

Cumbria-based Shoreline Films has ready been awarded £80,000 from Mediabox, a £6 million fund for disadvantaged 13 to19-year-olds to make media projects about issues that are important to them.

But now the search is on for even more Merseyside groups and individuals to apply.

“Shoreline Films are among the first in the country to receive funding from Mediabox, which will enable them to make four projects, including three films and a website project,” explains Paula Moore.

Paula is Mediabox co-ordinator at North West Vision (NWV), the strategic film, TV and digital media development agency for the Northwest, which is promoting Mediabox across the region.

“These first awards are fantastic news for the region, but we’d like even more people to get involved, which is why we’re holding a series of free roadshows to tell groups and individuals how they can apply for funding,” adds Paula.

The Assembly Room roadshow takes place on Thursday April 26, between 2.30pm-4.30pm.

“We’re looking for young people from different locations, abilities and backgrounds, because we want to give them the opportunity to develop and produce their own creative media projects,” explains Paula.

“Whether they want to use film, television, print, radio or online platforms, we want young people to be able to express their own opinions and ideas. By encouraging their creativity, we hope they’ll then gain new skills which will benefit them in later life,” she adds.

At The Assembly Room event, young people will be able to hear from First Light Movies, which funds and inspires young people, throughout the UK, to make films reflecting the diversity of their lives. There’ll also be the chance to hear about some of the other Northwest youth projects which have already been given Mediabox cash.

Together with Media Trust, Skillset and the UK Film Council, First Light Movies is running the nationwide £6 million scheme on behalf of The Department for Education and Skills.

Applications for grants of up to £1,000 can be made by individuals or groups, with organisations that work with young people eligible to apply for up to £80,000.

It’s NWV’s aim to attract as much of that money as possible across Merseyside, and into the Northwest.

“North West Vision exists to grow the film, TV and digital media industry in our region, so encouraging grass root young talent to explore the industry at an early age is an important part of our work,” explains Paula.

“I’m confident the Mediabox project will provide numerous opportunities for Northwest young people to develop not only their creative ideas, but also lifelong skills in media production,” she adds

The next application deadline for Mediabox grants is 22nd May 2007. Interested organisations and young people should visit www.media-box.co.uk for guidelines and application forms. To register for a FREE place at the Carlisle roadshow email paulam@northwestvision.co.uk

· The Mediabox Roadshow takes place at The Assembly Room, The Old Town Hall, Carlisle, on Thursday April 26 2.30pm-4.30pm.