First Light names new CEO

Pip Eldridge has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of First Light, the UK’s largest young filmmaking programme, the UK Film Council has announced.
Using £1 million a year of the UK Film Council’s share of National Lottery proceeds, First Light enables young people between the ages of 5 to 18 to make short films under the guidance of professional filmmakers, helping youngsters to learn filmmaking skills including scriptwriting, producing, editing, acting, sound, lighting and directing, and improving their communication and team working skills.
Prior to taking up her new post, Eldridge was the Exhibition and Education Manager for the capital’s film agency Film London, and was responsible for the strategic development of film exhibition and education across London. She has also previously worked for the UK Film Council and the British Film Institute (bfi).
Since it was set up in 2001, First Light has funded more than 500 films produced by more than 8,000 filmmakers across the UK, and the annual First Light Awards ceremony is fast becoming a highlight of the UK film calendar.
First Light films have been screened at festivals including the Atlanta Film Festival, the Olympic International Children’s’ Film Festival in Athens, the Leeds Film festival, Bristol Brief Encounters and the Winterhur Festival in Switzerland. The organisation has also undertaken projects such Film and Citizenship, which helped bring young people’s filmmaking closer to education, and First Writes, which encouraged young people in Scotland to take up scriptwriting.
Eldridge joins at a pivotal time in First Light’s existence following the recent establishment of a new First Light Board, which includes Chair Barbara Broccoli, producer of the James Bond films. She replaces Catherine O’Shea, who headed the organisation since its launch.
Commenting on her appointment, Eldridge said: “I am absolutely delighted to be taking up this post at First Light and very much plan to continue the excellent legacy and reputation that Catherine and the team have worked hard to achieve.
“First Light is in the healthiest position it has been in for the whole of its three year existence. An influential Board is in place to take the organisation to the next stage, the UK Film Council has confirmed First Light as a key part of its strategy for 2004 to 2007 and the initiative is about to reap the benefits of the partnerships forged over recent months.”
Jonnie Turpie, First Light Vice-Chair, said: “Although I am very sad to say goodbye to Catherine after all her amazing work for First Light, I welcome Pip with open arms and I’m sure she is going to bring her exceptional knowledge and skills to help young people make more fabulous films.”
Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council, John Woodward, added: “It’s a terrific appointment, and I look forward to working with Pip to help First Light build on the successes of the first three years. Pip's experience will be invaluable.”
(GB)