A funding and training scheme for filmmakers in Islington and Haringey celebrated its fifth year running this month in Finsbury Park.
The North London Film Partnership (NLFP) works in coordination with other film organisations and councils to provide networking opportunities, advanced training and grants of up to £3,000 for local filmmaking teams.
The launch event invited potential candidates, explained the application process and held a ‘speed-networking’ session to help writers, producers and directors meet and discuss ideas.
Brek Taylor, NLFP producer, said the aim of the event was to help the candidates. “I want the filmmakers to feel that they totally understand what the fund is about, and that they are confident they are putting in the best application that they can.”
Christian Cometa, a producer at the launch, said that he was applying to fund a documentary. “It’s a lot easier to get people involved if they want to act, but with a documentary there’s not a lot that the people you want to interview get out of it, unless you give them some money.
“It can be really tough to get together the funding. There are just some things that people don’t want to do for free, so that is where this scheme comes in handy.”
Aroha Rangi, Arts Development Officer at Islington Council, explained why the Council is keen to support filmmakers: “It’s part of our creative mix. In Islington we’ve just got this great vibe and this great mix of incredible artistic talent – filmmaking is part of that.
“We want to see creativity thrive. Arts are vital; they contribute to people’s sense of place, sense of identity, sense of wellbeing, and they’re a major contributor to the economy. We want to support people so that they can succeed in a great way.”
Applications to the NLFP scheme are open until 3 December. For more information visit www.nlfp.org.uk.
