GUIDELINES

Please note that applications for the Guiding Lights 08/09 programme are now closed.

Guidelines PDF Document - Large Format (download)

About Guiding Lights:

Guiding Lights is a year-long mentoring scheme designed to identify and support emerging UK-based film industry talent. Launching for a second time, it is the UK film industry's most high profile mentoring initiative.

The programme is run by Lighthouse Arts & Training, and is 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 primarily 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.

Following the success of Guiding Lights 06/07, we are again looking for 25 up-and-coming film industry professionals. We are seeking applications from all sections of the community and from a range of industry disciplines. Directors, producers, screenwriters, cinematographers, talent agents and professionals working in sales, distribution, exhibition, marketing, publicity and business affairs are all eligible to apply.

Successful applicants will each be matched with a well-established film industry professional, who will provide mentor advice and support throughout the 12-month programme. Guiding Lights 08/09 begins in July 2008.

Additional industry training and networking events will also take place during the course of the scheme, and it is intended that where possible, participants will undertake a short period of work shadowing.

Guiding Lights aims to help improve diversity within the UK film industry by addressing the issues of access which individuals often face when establishing or progressing their careers. Participants will be provided with financial assistance towards pre-agreed travel, subsistence and childcare costs. We are able to facilitate access for deaf and disabled people - please see the Equal Opportunities section below for further information.

All information contained within this website is available in large format.

Who the Guiding Lights scheme is for:

The scheme covers a range of film industry disciplines. We are seeking applications from:

Directors
Producers
Writers
Cinematographers
Talent Agents

Professionals working in:

Sales
Distribution
Exhibition
Marketing
Publicity
Business Affairs

Eligibility Criteria:

Please note that Guiding Lights is not intended for entry-level participants. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have proven professional experience in the industry, and are committed to an ongoing career in the film.

You are eligible to apply if:

You have 2 years of professional experience (whether paid or voluntary work) within the film industry

You can demonstrate clear potential for success within the fiction feature film industry in the capacity in which you are applying

You can show that you have experienced difficulty channelling your potential and may not succeed without the assistance of the opportunities facilitated by Guiding Lights

You can demonstrate how you will succeed in converting a mentoring experience under the Guiding Lights programme into clear career progression

Directors, Producers and Cinematographers: You have the relevant production credit on at least two short films (shot on any format), each with a minimum length of 3 minutes, one of which must have been screened at a UK or international film festival

Writers: You have written minimum one feature-length script (this does not necessarily need to have been produced) and have at least one other in development

You are a UK resident

All applications received will be assessed against the above criteria. Please see the Guiding Lights FAQ for further clarification on eligibility.

The Application Process:

The deadline for applications for Guiding Lights 08/09 has now passed.

Late applications will not be considered.

Before completing the Application Form please ensure that you have read the Guiding Lights Guidelines and FAQ.

How to apply:

Applicants should complete and submit three hardcopies and email one electronic version of:

the Guiding Lights Application Form

a CV including a filmography and/or details of past and current projects

the Diversity Monitoring Form

In the case of directors, producers, writers and cinematographers, hardcopy applications must be accompanied by the relevant supporting materials (please see below).

Supporting Materials:

Directors, Producers and Cinematographers are required to submit two films they have worked on in the capacity in which they are applying.

Writers are required to submit a feature-length screenplay (as an unbound hardcopy). Please do not provide more than one script - we will only be able to assess one.

Talent Agents and Sales, Distribution, Exhibition, Marketing, Publicity and Business Affairs professionals are required to provide the contact details of two referees.

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.

Where to send your application:

Please send your hardcopy application to:

Guiding Lights Administrator
Lighthouse Arts & Training
28 Kensington Street
Brighton BN1 4AJ

Please email an electronic version of your application to: gen@lighthouse.org.uk

Applications must be received both as a hardcopy and by email. All applicants will receive an email acknowledging that their application has been received by 5.30pm, Tuesday 29th April.

Equal Opportunities:

Guiding Lights encourages applications from, and gives equal access to, all sections of the community.

Diversity Monitoring Form

Due to the nature of the funding of Guiding Lights, this information will be made available to the 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 Equality and Diversity Policy.

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 here
A textphone is available: 01273 686320
Any 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
Financial assistance is available for a variety of access related costs including travel, subsistence and childcare
All venues will be wheelchair accessible

Next Step:

We will shortlist 40 applicants to be interviewed in central London during the week of 9th-13th June. Shortlisted applicants will be notified by phone during the week before. For invited candidates who live outside of London, pre-approved travel expenses can be reimbursed on production of receipts.

The interview panels will include members of the Lighthouse management team, a Skillset representative and relevant member of the Guiding Lights Steering Committee (details regarding the Steering Committee can be found here).

The final 25 applicants selected to be matched with a mentor will be notified by June 18th. They will be required to confirm acceptance of their place on the Guiding Lights scheme by June 20th.

Please see the Mentors page for details of the filmmakers and industry professionals who have agreed to act as Guiding Lights mentors.

Due to the high volume of applications anticipated, we will not be able to discuss or provide individual feedback on failed applications. We thank you in advance for your understanding on this matter.

Important Dates:

June 9th-13th: Shortlisted applicants interviewed in London

Please note that it will not be possible to conduct interviews outside of these dates so applicants should ensure they are available during this week. Due to time restrictions, we are unable to give much advance notice for interviews - shortlisted candidates will be notified during the week before.

July 1st-2nd: 2 days of introductory training sessions held in central London

Successful applicants will be required to commit to attending both days.

FAQ's

Please click here

Further Information:

In the first instance enquiries can be directed to:

Email: ................guiding@lighthouse.org.uk
Textphone: .........01273 686320