Over 75,000 talented young British actors and production crews will benefit from the new three-year international partnership
Raindance, the home of independent film and the National Youth Film Academy are proud to announce a new three-year partnership that will see the two organisations joining forces to further promote and support 16-25-year-old filmmakers in the UK.
Each year, the Gateshead-based National Youth Film Academy engages with over 25,000 young aspirational actors and filmmakers to support them with a range of courses, events and initiatives to help them pursue a career in the film industry.
Raindance is dedicated to fostering and promoting independent film around the world and combines, the Raindance Film Festival, film training courses and Raindance Higher Education and founder of the prestigious British Independent Film Awards.
The partnership compliments the National Youth Film Academy’s mission in identifying and supporting up-and-coming talent with the mission to promote them within the British film industry.
The partnership will give the National Youth Film Academy’s shortlisted filmmakers on the ‘Emerging Brits’ programme a platform to bring their stories to the big screen at The Raindance Film Festival, which runs from 18 – 29 September, 2019.
The Academy Award, BAFTA & BIFA qualifying Film Festival will once again present the very best in new cinema from the UK and around the world focusing on first-time directors and discovery.
The 2019 programme will include 5-8 short films from National Youth Film Academy Members which will be shown in a special out-of-competition strand of the Festival to champion the young filmmakers and provide them with the opportunity to showcase their work to audiences, at one of the most sought-after slots in the film industry calendar.
Participating filmmakers have the invaluable opportunity to gain exposure at Europe’s leading independent Film Festival, pitch future projects, and make many important connections with industry professionals from around the world.
The collaboration will also see the two organisations work together on training programmes. The National Youth Film Academy runs the ‘Set Ready Course’ designed to help aspiring talent develop a career in the film industry along with the Emerging Brits programme, an elite group considered the ‘ones to watch’ from a flourishing pool of talented members who have completed courses at the National Youth Film Academy over the last three years.
Raindance offers training courses, aiming to give individuals the tools to start shooting their film, and covering screenwriting, production, directing, and virtual reality.
The National Youth Film Academy, now celebrating its eighth year, has an amazing track record in getting young people film industry experience. Members of the Youth Academy have gained roles in ‘Men in Black 3’, ‘IP Man 4’, Normal People starring Liam Neeson, Amazon Prime Video’s ‘Jack Ryan’ (Season 2) and ‘Toff Guys’ directed by Guy Ritchie.
Rob Earnshaw, CEO, National Youth Film Academy, said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Raindance, supporting the UK’s brightest emerging talent is a priority for both of our organisations. Raindance have an incredible track record of uncovering the UK’s hottest, most exciting filmmakers and continues to do a phenomenal job of promoting Independent cinema.
“Our partnership with Raindance once more underscores the National Youth Film Academy’s ambitions to help recognise breakthrough talent, boost the profiles of the most standout members of the National Youth Film Academy and further support their growth and development.”
Elliot Grove, Founder, Raindance, explained: “Raindance has been championing the newest, freshest and boldest filmmaking talent since 1993. It’s with great pleasure that we join forces with the National Youth Film Academy. I believe our partnership will both magnify and amplify our joint goals of promoting new talent from a wide range of new filmmakers from a host of diverse backgrounds.”
Joseph Allan, aged 18 of Durham, said: “I have seen the work that goes on behind the scenes first hand, and these guys truly care about finding and promoting young British talent.”
Grace Englert, aged 21 of London, said: “If the National Youth Film Academy believe you can succeed, they will push, nurture and care for you and your career.”
