FAQ

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

No.

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.

 

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 12 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.

 

I have worked on and off in the film industry for several years. Does this count as at least two years?

You must add up each period of employment so that it totals two years. For film production work, this is only valid if you received a credit for the work. If some of your work is in television production, that can also count, but you must be able to demonstrate that you are committed to working in the film industry.

 

I have worked in the film industry but it has mostly been unpaid. Can I apply?

Yes, as long as it is professional (i.e. not as a student), unpaid work experience does count. As above, film production work is only valid if you received a credit for your work.

 

I've been to film school and have made 3 short films, but have never had a job in the film industry. Do I qualify?

No, you must have worked professionally in the film industry.

 

I have worked as a 1st AD for at least two years and have directed two short films of at least 3 minutes in length, one of which has been screened at a festival. Can I apply as a director?

Yes, as long as you have directed at least two short films, your professional experience can be in any grade in the film industry.

 

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

No, the Application Form requires that you select only one field under which your application will be considered. We are aware however that the two disciplines often crossover. Should your application be successful, this will be taken into account when matching you with the most suitable mentor.

As a writer, how do I indicate my ‘professional experience’ in the film industry if my work has never been produced?

Whilst you don’t necessarily need to have been officially employed to write, we are looking for evidence that you are committed to developing a writing career within the fiction feature film industry, and have been active in and around film for at least 2 years.

Relevant screenwriting activity includes, but is not limited to, script development work, short film screenplays, securing an agent, having a project optioned, collaborations with/commissions from production companies/producers and participation in continuing professional development training. Evidence that you have been seriously plugging away at your own projects also counts, as does any other credited work within film in another role. Higher education studies do not count towards this.

Your application and CV/filmography should clearly show any relevant experience. Please note that we may ask for verification of activities listed if your application makes it through to the later stages of the selection process.

I have the necessary amount of experience and credits but don't have a showreel or 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 an example of your work.

 

I have worked in the film industry for at least two years and I have written a feature-length screenplay which is so far uncommissioned. Can I apply?

Yes, as long as you can demonstrate you have the required level of experience and have written a feature-length script (and have at least one other feature-length project in development), it does not need to have been produced.

 

I have written scripts for short films, television and radio but I have not yet written a feature film although I intend to. Can I apply?

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

 

I work in a law firm, non specific to the film industry. However, I have worked on numerous film deals within the firm which add up to at least two years of experience. Can I apply?

Yes.

 

I want to apply as an animator. Am I eligible?

No, only live action feature filmmakers are eligible for the programme.

 

I'm a feature documentary filmmaker. Am I eligible?

Guiding Lights is specifically for filmmakers and professionals wanting to progress their careers within the fiction feature film industry. If you have the required level of professional experience in documentary filmmaking, but are committed to making fiction feature films and can demonstrate your potential to succeed in this area of the film industry, you are eligible to apply. Your application will need to clearly show how you intend, and are able, to achieve this.

 

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

No. 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.