First Light’s ‘Independence Day’

Birmingham-based First Light, the UK’s young people’s filmmaking initiative, was set up in 2001 by Hi8us Projects Limited.
First Light has grown substantially over the last five years and as a result has now become an independent company, First Light Movies Ltd.
The UK Film Council conceived the concept for a young people’s filmmaking scheme under the guidance of the then Chair and award-winning filmmaker Sir Alan Parker in 2001. Hi8us, the nationwide media production company, won the contract to set up Hi8us First Light Ltd.
Since launching, First Light has inspired over 10,000 five to 18-year-olds to produce almost 700 short digital films. The films have won awards, been praised by luminaries from the film industry and been screened all around the UK as well as at national and international film festivals.
Under the visionary guidance and expertise of Hi8us, First Light has changed the lives of many young people. Hi8us nurtured the young company and enabled it to develop into the thriving organisation that it is today. Hi8us’ history and foresight helped First Light to work with many schools, film groups, youth groups and cinemas to produce a diverse variety of films and partnerships.
First Light’s continual success has led them to broker relationships with leading organisations in the creative sector, including Culture Online, part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the British Film Institute, The Script Factory, CBBC and Tiscali and a six-strong staff team, which has doubled in size from 2001. As a result of First Light’s considerable growth the First Light Board of Directors felt that it would be a fortuitous move, for both parties, if the relationship between First Light and Hi8us Projects shifted to accommodate this expansion.
Alan Fountain, Chair of Hi8us Projects said of the move, “We are delighted to have set up and played a big part in the life of such a wonderful organisation. I wish First Light every success and look forward to collaborating with them in new and exciting ways in the future.”
Barbara Broccoli, Chair of the First Light Movies Ltd. and Co-producer at EON Productions added, “We are very proud of First Light’s progress since being set up by Hi8us and recognise the groundbreaking work that has been done together. We are truly thankful for their guiding hand, knowledge and the sure footing that they have given us.”
(GB/CD)