The corporate and brand film industry is full of fantastic opportunities for aspiring filmmakers, but it is not often given the attention it deserves. The FOCUS Award was set up to bring young people to our industry, and to get them excited about it. It was also set up to address the lack of diversity in the corporate and brand film sector. Black filmmakers and filmmakers of Colour are massively underrepresented throughout the industry, and so The FOCUS Award is designed to foster, nurture and grow talent, as well as open doors.
This year, we will select not just one winner but two, each of whom will get sixth months of mentorship across two leading corporate film companies. Mentoring this year are: Sara Cooper (Plastic Pictures), Liz Robinson (Media Zoo), Pete Stevenson (The Edge Picture Company) and Dean Beswick (Gorilla Gorilla!). Meet our 2024 FOCUS Award mentors here.
Plus, the two winners will receive a prize of £500 each thanks to the generous sponsorship of Gorilla Gorilla! and The Edge Picture Company. We recognise that filmmaking is an expensive venture, and hope that this new financial addition to The FOCUS Award prize will support our winners in their own filmmaking practice.
As in previous years, the shortlisted candidates will also each receive a mentorship conversation with one of our mentor companies where they can ask for advice as they embark on the next step in their filmmaking journey’s.
Hear what our mentors have to say about why they have got involved:
“I see mentoring as a very powerful conversation, enabling new entrants to benefit from the experience, insights and connections of those already in the industry but also allowing experienced industry people to reconnect with the challenges of starting a career to gain a better understanding of the needs, ideas and outlook of the next generation of talent.” – Dean Beswick, Gorilla Gorilla!
“At The Edge, we believe that mentoring young, upcoming filmmakers is not only important for the industry’s growth but also worthwhile and satisfying in itself. Supporting emerging talent contributes to the diversity and innovation of the EVCOM community and helps build a dynamic creative landscape.
A prime example of this commitment is our experience with Aileen, our 2023 mentee.
Aileen exemplified the energy of young filmmakers we’re dedicated to nurturing. During her time with us, she brought fresh perspectives and a hunger for learning, which invigorated our team here. Aileen’s journey is a testament to the impact mentorship can have on shaping the future of the film industry, and we’re proud to have played a part.” – Pete Stevenson, The Edge Picture Company
“Sometimes all you need is someone to believe in you to accomplish what you thought you never could. I believe a successful mentor-mentee relationship is built on trust and effort and I’m enthusiastic to help! I want you to grow and reach your full potential. I will listen to your dreams, your opinions, and be honest with my feedback. I will use my experience and knowledge to help. I’ll be there to champion you because my personal purpose is to help shape ideas and that includes shaping careers too!” – Sara Cooper (Plastic Pictures)
“I joined the TV industry 20 years ago, not knowing a soul in broadcast but by working hard, showing passion, enthusiasm and through the kindness of others I was given some incredible opportunities and roles. I was mentored by many people in the early years of my career and I think it greatly enhanced my confidence and self-belief. When I was a Researcher, I had a Series Producer at Nickelodeon UK who really believed in me and said I too would be a Series Producer before I was 30; I was offered my first SP position at 28.
I think in a creative industry that is as competitive and somewhat unstructured as production is, it’s so important to have those older, experienced sounding boards who can share wisdom, knowledge and open doors.
I am a firm believer in giving young people coming through, the opportunities to learn, to make mistakes without fear and to grow. At Media Zoo, I am trying to lead our CreativeStudio with kindness, honesty, humour and ambition whilst identifying opportunities where my team can develop their skills and experience. In turn, I would like to offer this to those who are breaking into the industry.” – Liz Robinson (Media Zoo)
The FOCUS 15-18 Award also opens for entry at the same time. This award is open to Black filmmakers and filmmakers of Colour between the ages of 15-18 years old. They are asked to submit a film they have made on their phone for the chance to win work experience with a top corporate film company!
Find out more and The FOCUS Award, and start your entry here.
