FAQs



I’m an American national who lives and works in the States. Can I apply?

No.

I am a non-UK national who has residency in the UK. Can I apply?

Yes - proof of residency must be provided. You must also demonstrate that you are committed to continuing to work in the UK film industry.

Do I have to pay a fee to take part on the Guiding Lights scheme?

Yes, the twelve selected participants will be required to pay a £40 administration fee.

I am on a low income. Will I have to pay my own travel and accommodation costs?

The scheme is intended to be accessible to all. We are able to provide financial assistance towards pre-agreed costs if you are unable to cover certain expenses incurred when meeting with your mentor or attending training sessions. Every effort will be made to ensure selected applicants are able to participate in the full range of programme activities, and shortlisted candidates will be able to discuss their specific circumstances with the project management team once invited to interview.

I don’t live in London, will this count against me?

Definitely not! We are actively seeking applications from all parts of the UK.

Is there an age limit for applicants?

No.

I work full-time. Does this mean I won’t be able to participate on the scheme?

No, the time commitments required from participants over the 9 months should be easily manageable alongside full-time employment. Please be aware however that there are certain dates for which you must be available and to which you must commit. More information about these is contained in the Guidelines.

Guiding Lights used to be open to cinematographers and various business roles. Is this no longer the case?

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the funding for this round of the programme, only writers, directors and producers are eligible to apply for Guiding Lights 11/12. Please contact Skillset for information on other training and development initiatives.

Do you provide mentoring for editors, composers or sound designers?

No. The scheme is currently only open to the disciplines specified. Please contact Skillset for information on other training and development initiatives.

Can I send a music video or a commercial instead of a short film?

No, we are specifically looking for film industry professionals so you must send 2 films for assessment which have been selected by and screened at a festival on our approved festivals list.

I have directed drama for television which has been broadcast. Can I send this in as one of my two pieces of supporting work?

Yes, but you should remember that we are specifically looking for feature film professionals so need to see work that demonstrates a strong cinematic sensibility. We will also be looking for evidence that you have been proactive in trying to develop a career in film.


I have directed two short films, but only one has screened at one of your approved film festivals. Can I apply?

No, both films submitted in support of your application must have been selected by and screened at a festival on our approved list.

I’m a writer/director, can I apply for both categories?

No, the application process requires that you select only one field under which your submission will be considered. We are aware however that the two disciplines often cross over. Should your application be successful, this will be taken into account when matching you with a mentor.

I am eligible to apply but don’t have a copy of any of my films. Will you consider my application without this?

No, your supporting material is a compulsory element of you application. We have to be able to see examples of your work.

How do I prove that my short films have been screened at a festival?

Evidence may include an acceptance email or letter from the festival, a copy or photocopy of the festival programme, a screengrab of an online festival programme or written confirmation from the festival. If you have another form of evidence but are unsure as to whether or not it will be accepted, please email the Guiding Lights Co-ordinator (guiding@lighthouse.org.uk).

One of my films was directed with a co-director – can I submit it?

No. In order to assess your abilities and potential as a director we need to see work that we know you were wholly responsible for.

I've had work produced/optioned and have written scripts for short films, television and radio but have not yet written a feature-length screenplay. Can I apply as a writer?

No, sorry, submission of a completed feature-length script is a compulsory part of your writer application.

Is there a limit to the length of films I can submit as my supporting materials?

Each film must be over 3 minutes long but there is no maximum length. However, due to the high volume of applications expected, we may not be able to watch more than 30 minutes of material per applicant.

I am a foreign national and I am not working in the UK. Am I eligible to apply?

If you are a national of a European Union country you are eligible to apply. However, you should bear in mind that the priority for Guiding Lights is to support UK filmmakers and that the programme is designed to benefit the UK film industry. These priorities will be taken into account in the selection process so you must show how your participation will help to achieve this.