GUIDELINES
ABOUT GUIDING LIGHTS
Guiding Lights is the British film industry’s most prestigious mentoring programme. We are now accepting applications for Guiding Lights 11/12 and will select twelve talented and ambitious screenwriters, directors and producers to take part in a fourth round of the scheme, due to launch in June 2011.
Guiding Lights supports and develops promising UK-based filmmakers through high-level mentoring complemented by a range of training and networking activities. Successful applicants will each be matched with a well-established film industry professional who will provide advice and guidance over a 9-month period. During this time a number of face-to-face meetings will take place with phone or email contact in between as appropriate.
Alongside the one-to-one mentoring, participants will benefit from a number of industry training and networking events, including during the Galway Film Fleadh and London Film Festival. Further access to high-level filmmakers and business professionals will be facilitated by an online networking facility.
Guiding Lights aims to help improve diversity within the UK film industry by addressing the issues of access which individuals often face when progressing their careers. We welcome applications from across the community and will provide financial assistance to those who require it for pre-agreed travel, subsistence and childcare costs. We are able to facilitate access for deaf and disabled people – please see the Equal Opportunities section for further information.
Guiding Lights is run by Lighthouse as part of ‘A Bigger Future’, the UK film skills strategy set up by Skillset and the UK Film Council to address skills development across all job roles in film. The scheme is majority funded by the Skillset Film Skills Fund, supported by the National Lottery through the UK Film Council and the film industry through the Skills Investment Fund.
WHO CAN APPLY?
We are seeking applications from:
• • Writers
• • Directors
• • Producers
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Please note that Guiding Lights is not open to entry-level participants and is a talent development programme rather than a training scheme. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have a proven track record in their field, along with a strong commitment to an ongoing career in feature films. They will also be required to prove that they have been pro-active in trying to advance their film career and have now reached a critical point in their professional development where they would particularly benefit from high-level mentoring and access to industry.
Please check the eligibility criteria and submission requirements for the role in which you are applying.
WRITERS
You are eligible to apply if:
• • You are a UK resident
• • You have had at least one piece of work produced OR optioned. This can include shorts, features, TV drama, novels and plays for the theatre or radio
• • You have written a minimum of one feature-length script (this does not necessarily need to have been produced)
• • You have at least one other feature-length script in development
You should submit:
• • A completed Application Form
• • Your CV which includes a filmography and/or details of past and current projects
• • A completed Diversity Monitoring Form
You must also submit the following Supporting Materials:
• • One unbound hardcopy of a feature-length screenplay (please do not provide more than one script – we will only be able to assess one)
• • Two hardcopies of a synopsis of another feature-length project you are developing (this should be no longer than one page)
• • A letter of recommendation from a professional referee who has known you for at least 12 months and who has knowledge of your work as a
• • screenwriter. The letter should detail who they are, how they know you, and why you would be suitable for the Guiding Lights scheme.
• • Evidence that you have had at least one piece of work produced OR optioned. Acceptable evidence may include but is not limited to:
• • • - promotional materials that include your credit
• • • - a screen grab of a webpage containing information about the production and including your credit
• • • - written confirmation from the producer/production company
• • • - a copy of an Option Agreement (confidential or sensitive information can be omitted but the agreement must be signed by all the relevant parties)
DIRECTORS
You are eligible to apply if:
• • You are a UK resident
• • You have a sole director credit on at least two films (shot on any format), each with a minimum
• • length of 3 minutes, both of which must have been selected by and screened at a film festival
• • on our approved list (please see Appendix 1) OR had a theatrical release OR been broadcast on television
You should submit:
• • A completed Application Form
• • Your CV including a filmography and/or details of past and current projects
• • A completed Diversity Monitoring Form
You must also submit the following Supporting Materials:
• • Two DVD copies of two films, each with a minimum length of 3 minutes, on which you are credited as the sole director both of which have been
• • selected by a festival on our approved list OR had a theatrical release OR been broadcast on television
• • A letter of recommendation from a professional referee who has known you for at least 12 months and who has knowledge of your work as a
• • director. The letter should detail who they are, how they know you, and why you would be suitable for the Guiding Lights scheme
• • Evidence that both of your submitted films have been selected by and screened at a festival on our approved list (please see Appendix 1) OR had a
• • theatrical release OR been broadcast on television. Acceptable evidence may include but is not limited to:
• • • - an acceptance email, letter or written confirmation from the festival
• • • - a copy of the festival programme
• • • - a screen grab of an online festival programme
• • • - promotional materials or information relating to a theatrical release or broadcast
PRODUCERS
You are eligible to apply if:
• • You are a UK resident
• • You have a producing credit on at least two films (shot on any format), each with a minimum length of 3 minutes, both of which must have been
• • selected by and screened at one of the film festivals on our approved list (please see Appendix 1) OR had a theatrical release OR been broadcast
• • on television
• • You have a slate of projects in development, and are a lead producer on at least two of them
You should submit:
• • A completed Application Form
• • Your CV which includes a filmography and/or details of past and current projects
• • A completed Diversity Monitoring Form
You must also submit the following Supporting Materials:
• • Two DVD copies of two films, each with a minimum length of 3 minutes, on which you are credited as a producer, both of which have been selected
• • by a festival on our approved list
OR had a theatrical release OR been broadcast on television
• • A letter of recommendation from a professional referee who has known you for at least 12 months and who has knowledge of your work as a
• • producer. The letter should detail who they are, how they know you, and why you would be suitable for the Guiding Lights scheme
• • Evidence that both of your submitted films have been selected by and screened at a festival on our approved list (please see Appendix 1) OR had a
• • theatrical release OR been broadcast on television. Acceptable evidence may include but is not limited to:
• • • - an acceptance email, letter or written confirmation from the festival
• • • - a copy of the festival programme
• • • - a screen grab of an online festival programme
• • • - promotional materials or information relating to a theatrical release or broadcast
All applications received will be assessed against the above criteria. Please see the Guiding Lights FAQs for further clarification on eligibility.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The deadline for applications is:
2pm, Friday 11 March 2011
Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.
Before completing the Application Form please ensure that you have read the Guidelines and FAQs. Some of the questions on the Application Form have a word limit. Please note that if you exceed the word limit your application will be deemed ineligible.
Please note that applications must arrive both as a hardcopy and by email. You should send your hardcopy application to:
• • • Guiding Lights Administrator
• • • Lighthouse
• • • 28 Kensington Street
• • • Brighton BN1 4AJ
This should include:
• • 2 copies of your completed Application Form
• • 2 copies of your CV
• • 1 copy of your completed Diversity Monitoring Form
• • Supporting Materials (please refer to the relevant checklist for further details)
You must also email your application to: administrator@lighthouse.org.uk
This should include:
• • 1 electronic version of your completed Application Form
• • 1 electronic version of your CV
Due to limited resources we are unable to return submitted supporting materials unless you enclose an SAE with your application. Please ensure you provide the correct amount of postage – Lighthouse does not accept responsibility for returned materials lost in the post.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Guiding Lights encourages applications from, and gives equal access to, all sections of the community.
ACCESSIBILITY
To ensure equality of opportunity, access will be facilitated in the following ways:
• • All guidelines and information regarding the scheme are available in large print format and can be
• • downloaded from the Guiding Lights website – www.guiding-lights.org.uk
• • A textphone is available: 01273 686320
• • Individual needs of our applicants will be discussed once they have reached the shortlist stage prior
• • to interview
• • We have a budget allocation for BSL interpreters and associated travel and subsistence costs
• • All networking events and training sessions are held in venues which are wheelchair accessible.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION COSTS
Financial assistance is available for a variety of access related costs including travel, subsistence and childcare, but applicants should note that we are only able to provide support to those who really need it. This will be determined on a means tested basis. Participants who are not eligible for financial assistance will be expected to cover any travel and accommodation costs incurred when meeting with their mentor, and should be aware that the programme includes a training session held during Galway Film Fleadh in Ireland. 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.
DIVERSITY MONITORING FORM
Due to the nature of the funding of Guiding Lights, this information will be made available to project partners for monitoring and reporting purposes only. Although it is not compulsory, we would be grateful if you would complete the form to ensure compliance with our Equal Opportunities policy. The form will be separated from your application on receipt and will not form any part of the selection process.
NEXT STEPS
Interviews will take place in London on the 19, 20, 23 and 24 May 2011. Applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted in the preceding week. For invited candidates who live outside of London, pre-approved travel expenses will be reimbursed on production of receipts.
The interview panel will include members of the Lighthouse management team, a Skillset representative and members of the Guiding Lights Steering Committee.
The twelve applicants selected to be matched with a mentor will be notified by 27 May. They will be required to confirm acceptance of their place on the Guiding Lights scheme by 30 May. Participants will be required to pay an administration fee of £40.
Due to the high volume of applications anticipated, we will only be able to contact applicants who make it through to interview. If you have not heard from us by 27 May 2011, you should assume your application has not been shortlisted. Furthermore, we will not be able to discuss or provide individual feedback on unsuccessful applications. We thank you in advance for your understanding.
IMPORTANT DATES
19, 20, 23 & 24 May 2011 - Interviews
It will not be possible to conduct interviews outside of these dates so applicants should ensure that they are available on at least one of these days. Due to a tight timetable we are unable to give much advance notice for interviews - shortlisted candidates will be contacted the week before.
4 June 2011 - Introductory Training Day
6–9 July 2011 - Training & Industry Events (Galway Film Fleadh)
All participants are required to attend the above training sessions.
FURTHER INFORMATION
In the first instance enquiries can be directed to:
Email: • guiding@lighthouse.org.uk
Textphone:• • • • • • 01273 686320 (please do not use this number for phone enquiries)
APPENDIX 1: APPROVED FESTIVALS AND AWARDS
AbilityFest: India International Disability Film Festival
Academia De Las Artes Y Ciencias Cinematograficas De España
Académie Des Arts Et Techniques Du Cinéma (César)
Academy Of Canadian Cinema & Television (Genie)
Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences (Students)
AFI Fest (Los Angeles)
Angers Premiers Plans
Ann Arbor Film Festival
Annecy Festival International Du Cinema D'Animation
Antalya Golden Orange (Altın Portakal) Film Festival
Aspen Shortsfest
Astana International Action Film Festival
Athens International Film & Video Festival (Ohio)
Atlanta Film Festival
Austin Film Festival
BAFTA - nominee
BAFTA Cymru - nominee
BAFTA Scotland - nominee
Berlin International Film Festival
Bermuda International Film Festival
BFI London Film Festival
BFM International Film Festival
Bilbao International Festival of Documentary and Short Films
Birds Eye View Film Festival (London)
Bite The Mango Film Festival
Bogota Film Festival
Brest European Short Film Festival
Brooklyn International Film Festival
British Independent Film Awards
Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival
Cairo International Film Festival
Cannes International Film Festival
Cartagena International Film Festival
CFC (Canada Film Festival) Worldwide Short Film Festival
Chicago International Film Festival
Chicago International Children’s Film Festival
Cinanima International Animation Film Festival
Cinema Jove International Film Festival (Valencia)
Cinequest Film Festival
Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival
Cleveland International Film Festival
Corona Cork Film Festival
Courmayeur Noir In Festival
CPH:Dox (Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival)
Creiteil International Women’s Film Festival
David Di Donatello Award [Accademia Del Cinema Italiano]
Deaffest, Wolverhampton Deaf Film and TV Festival
Deafroc, Deaf Rochester Film Festival
Docuweeks (International Documentary Association, New York and Los Angeles)
DocsBarcelona (International Documentary Film Festival)
DOK Leipzig – The International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animated Film
Durban International Film Festival
Eat Our Shorts Student Film Festival
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Encounters International Short Film Festival
Era New Horizons International Film Festival (Wroclaw)
European Film Awards
FESPACO - Pan-African Film And Television Festival
Festival de Cine de Huesca
Flanders International Film Festival (Ghent)
Flickerfest International Australian Short Film Festival
Florida Film Festival
Foyle Film Festival
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival (North Carolina)
Gijon International Film Festival for Young People
Gothenburg International Film Festival
Hamburg International Short Film Festival
The Hamptons International Film Festival
Haugesund, The Norwegian International Film Festival
Hiroshima International Animation Festival
Hot Docs - Canadian International Documentary Festival
Human Rights Watch International Film Festival
Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (Melbourne)
International Documentary and Short Festival of Amsterdam
International Film Festival Of India (Goa)
International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK)
Istanbul International Film Festival
Jeonju International Film Festival
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
Kiev International Film Festival
Kolkata Film Festival
Krakow Film Festival
Locarno International Film Festival
London Lesbian And Gay Film Festival
London International Documentary Festival
London’s International Disability Film Festival
Los Angeles Film Festival
Los Angeles International Short Film Festival
Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival
Mar Del Plata International Film Festival
Mecal International Short Film Festival (Barcelona)
Melbourne International Film Festival
Message To Man Film International Documentary, Short and Animated Films Festival (St Petersberg)
Milan African, Asian and Latin American Film Festival
Mix Brasil Cinema and Video Festival Of Sexual Diversity
Montreal World Film Festival
Montreal Festival du Nouveau Cinema
Morelia International Film Festival
Moscow International Film Festival
Mostra of Valencia Cinema of Mediterrani
Mumbai Film Festival
Namur Festival International du Film Francophone de Namur
Nashville Film Festival
Oberhausen International Short Film Festival
Ottawa International Animation Festival
'Out In Africa' South African Gay And Lesbian Film Festival
Palm Springs International Shorts Festival
Pan African Film And Arts Festival (Los Angeles)
Perspektiva Breaking Down Barriers Disability Film Festival (Moscow)
Picture This…Film Festival
Pusan International Film Festival
Raindance Film Festival
Rhode Island International Film Festival
Rio De Janeiro International Short Film Festival
Rotterdam International Film Festival
Rushes Soho Shorts Festival
San Francisco International Film Festival
San Sebastian International Film Festival
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
São Paulo International Film Festival
Sarajevo Film Festival
Seattle International Film Festival
Shanghai International Film Festival
Sheffield Doc/Fest
Short Expression: International Film Festival (Guánajuato)
Shortshorts Film Festival (California)
Silverdocs Documentary Film Festival (Washington DC)
Siggraph (Computer Animation Festival)
Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia
Slamdance Film Festival
Sofia International Film Festival
South By Southwest Film
St Louis International Film Festival
Stockholm International Film Festival
Stuttgart International Animation Festival
Sundance Film Festival
Superfest International Disability Film Festival
Sydney Film Festival
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
Tampere International Short Film Festival
Thessaloniki International Film Festival
Tokyo International Film Festival
Torino Film Festival
Toronto International Film Festival
Tribeca Film Festival
Tróia International Film Festival
True/False Film Festival (Columbia, Missouri)
Uppsala International Short Film Festival
Urbanworld Film Festival, New York
USA Film Festival. National Short Film & Video Competition
Venice International Film Festival
Viennale, Vienna International Film Festival
Virgin Media Shorts - People’s Choice or Grand Prize
Warsaw Film Festival
Zagreb World Festival of Animated Films