Opportunity for far north filmmakers
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A Glasgow based creative hub is giving budding filmmakers in Caithness a step up the ladder of success with a new initiative.
Glasgow Media Access Centre (GMAC) Film said it is "delighted" to launch the short filmmaking opportunity called Little Pictures.
Little Pictures is open to anyone over 16 from under represented backgrounds who don’t normally have an opportunity to make a film and who have not been funded to make a film before.
It will commission six short films from new filmmakers across Scotland and is committed to 50 per cent of commissions by women.
Project manager Wilma Smith said: "Little Pictures will encourage new filmmakers to develop their voice and to take creative risks. Filmmakers will receive training, mentoring and support from GMAC Film to make their first film."
She added: "We are seeking out new, diverse voices and help develop talent further, so any new or budding filmmakers in Caithness and surrounding areas are really encouraged to apply."
The filmmakers will also be given further training and information on commissioning and employment opportunities to help kickstart their careers in the Scottish film industry.
Little Pictures welcomes applications from the following under-represented groups:
• Low income and socio-economically disadvantaged
• BAME
• People from a refugee migrant background
• People with disabilities
• LGBTQIA+
• Care experienced and carers
• Rurally excluded
• Women
Speaking to this publication, Wilma stressed the importance of having applications sent in from the "rurally excluded".
"Little Pictures wants to encourage film proposal applications from new filmmakers who maybe haven't had the opportunity to make a film or never been funded to make a film before because of the lack of access when you live in rural areas," she said.
"People in rural parts of the Highlands can feel out of touch with the city scene so it would be great find new talent in places like Wick and Thurso and suchlike."
It is free to apply for the scheme using a written application form or with a three-minute video or audio recording telling the organisers about the film you would like to make.
The application deadline is 5pm on October 8.
For more information on how to submit your proposal go to www.gmacfilm.com/news/little-pictures-commissioning-scheme/
If anyone needs support with the application they can get in touch with GMAC Film on littlepictures@gmacfilm.com or call the application enquiry line on 0141 553 5400 – open every Thursday between 10am and 6pm.
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