The Media Trust is launching its fourth series of Volunteer Films and looking to support 25 small charities that would benefit from a short promotional film for and about their organisation.
The project is open to any charitable organisation with an annual turnover of less than £2 million. A professional film can easily cost in the region of £10,000 to £15,000, so this is a unique opportunity for low funded charities to promote their work through film, which will also be broadcast on Community Channel. Each is film is produced by TV professionals who volunteer their time and skills to help the charity.
Now in its fourth year, Volunteer Films has produced more than 75 films for small UK charities working in a wide range of areas such as disability, youth, community conflict, race relations, sport, arts and the environment. The films are made specifically for each charity, who can utilise them for a variety of uses including: fundraising, raising awareness or recruiting volunteers.
“The film really brings our organisation to life in the way a leaflet or an email never could. We’re enormously grateful and highly recommend Volunteer Films for any charities thinking of creating a film” comments Jamie Dear, Trust Youth.
It is estimated that so far the equivalent of £750,000* has been donated in time and resources by the media industry, with films being produced by professional filmmakers from leading production companies, and broadcasters including: the BBC and Turner Broadcasting. Personalities who have also given up time to appear in such films include Jon Snow, Bill Turnbull and Dame Kelly Holmes.
“This project is great for people working in the often cynical world of TV to get an opportunity to put their skills to something that will actually benefit the world!” comments George Harris, TV producer/director
The total cost to each charity is £1,000, for which a broadcast quality film is produced, with guaranteed airtime on Community Channel. The charity is also provided with a DVD copy of the film and given a version suitable for streaming on the Internet. Charities are given professional marketing and PR advice from volunteer media advisors to ensure the films achieve maximum impact.
Previous films have been broadcast on BBC Big Screen, as part of Media Trust’s ‘It’s All About U’ volunteering campaign. A 30 second promo made for beatbullying was used on the YouTube/beatbullying site during anti-bullying week. Last year, commercials company PINK produced a film for Young People Theatre Company, which went on to win silver at the British Television Advertising Awards.
All charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profits operating in England with a turnover of under £2 million are now welcome to apply. Volunteer Films hope to receive applications from a diverse range of charities in terms of both region and subject matter.
For further information and an application form, contact Volunteer Films on 020 7874 7640 or email volunteerfilms@mediatrust.org . Application forms should be returned by Monday 7th April 2008.
* Production costs are calculated in terms of production equipment used and time donated by various media professionals.
Filed under: National Stuff, Resources & Cheap Stuff
