Firelight Media & Firelight Films’ Post

Public funding is not the answer.

MPs Warn of Barriers Blocking Diverse and Working-Class Talent... Diverse and working-class film-making talent faces barriers in the UK due to the cancellation of initiatives and development projects, MPs were told. The lack of accessible routes into the industry has made it increasingly exclusive to the wealthiest. Programs like Channel 4’s Random Acts and BFI’s First Light, which once supported new talent, are no longer available, hindering grassroots development. The industry now relies on independent trusts and wealth for funding, exacerbating the class divide, with 60% of arts workers from middle-class backgrounds, compared to 42% of the wider workforce. We believe such opportunities should be available to all and more educational initiatives should be created and government funded! Thoughts? Read more on this here: https://bit.ly/3KNzgQ1 #FilmMaking #FilmProduction #TVAndFilm #FutureOfFilm

As I started my new role as a CAPS Instructor in August, and for the past 4 months, many have been asking me, "What is CAPS?" Although I find it easy to articulate, many have a hard time grasping the concept. People are baffled by my description because it goes against the traditional norms of education. "You meet outside of the school?!" "They work with companies?" "Employers take them seriously?" It's all true, and if you want a good look at what CAPS is all about, and the impact it is having on students throughout the country, I recommend watching, "Where Students Lead" from the CAPS Network. This documentary perfectly illustrates what CAPS is all about, and the power it can have on the future of education. I'll just add, the CAPS philosophy and practice is making waves across the world. From asking elementary students big questions like what problems do you want to solve, to having high school students sign NDAs and help major companies tackle big issues, CAPS is changing the way we guide young individuals to pursue meaningful work and their purpose. If you haven't heard of CAPS, you should learn more, and this documentary will help you do just that. Check it out. #CAPS #CAPSnetwork #meaningfulwork #pursuepurpose #findingpurpose #careerdevelopment #cedarvalleycaps #CFCaps #documentary #education #authenticlearning #durableskills

Sadly this doesn't surprise me... I'm sat here trying to think of something to write that sums up my feelings about this, but I can't quite put anything into words, I'm kinda getting a bit tired of it. All I see is industry leaders who hold the purse strings, totally and utterly failing to provide genuine opportunities to grass roots, working class, creative people and communities that are proven to provide roots into industry. What small opportunities that are available are usually reserved for up-skilling the rank and file workforce, or consolidating the more established companies. There's almost no support for Directors, Producers and small production companies, meaning those starting with better connections, better financial stability will get ahead as they can afford the risk. This is why we set up the Doc Fund, to support Northern working class filmmakers get a foot in the door. To help them develop a short film that can then act as a calling card to larger funding pots, or job opportunities. Northern Heart's financial records are there for all to see on Companies House, if a tiny Northern production company, based in Wigan can offer various levels of support to 9 filmmakers in less that two years, on a budget of £8000 (most of this has gone directly to the filmmakers as a form of grant) then anyone willing can do something similar. There are no excuses. None. Film and TV is one of the most financially lucrative industries in the world. Crying poverty doesn't wash, even in these turbulent times, this industry makes billions. A massive pat on the back to Sam Oddie, one of our Doc Fund winners, for chatting to Channel 4 about his experiences trying to get into the industry.

Thrilled to announce my latest project, managing the PR for the highly-anticipated movie 'Taxali Gate'! This powerful film addresses crucial issues of consent, rape, injustice, and the struggles women face in our society. With an all-star cast including Ayesha Omar, Yasir Hussain, Mehar Bano and more, and directed by the talented Abu Aleeha, this movie is a must-watch. Don't miss its release on Feb 16th, 2024. #PRManager #TaxaliGate #RaisingAwareness #InjusticeMustEnd 🎬🙌🏼"

‼️SPOILER‼️ With the current bar for documentaries (especially in this crime adjacent space) being so high, this story (albeit an interesting and terribly sad one)doesn’t really stack up. My documentary appetite and what I expect made me think he was actually still alive and without access to the sister it’s a theory that goes un-investigated (if that’s even a word). If you’re a seasoned documentarian I’d probably avoid this. It going satisfy the ‘I can’t believe that happened’ craving. #whatdocumentary #docuseries #whattowatchonnetflix #whatnottowatch #whatnottowatchonnetflix #neflixrecommendations #tvrecommendations

"In 2016, when we decided to pivot our business into film specifically, we produced our film with our own funds. But these were limited, and we were not able to make a high-budget film, and we made a direct-to-TV film. "So, when the idea for Baby Mamas was born, we knew it had to be a cinema-quality product, and that necessitated us looking for external funding." Read more about Salamina Mosese and Sorele Media's journey to get funded: https://bit.ly/3Tc1rNE #womeninbusiness #fundingopportunities

Enter competition below 👇