Mediabox
Friday 11 May 2007
Mediabox is a new fund that can award between £100 and £1000 for creative projects in radio, print, TV, film and multi media - that aim to make a positive difference.
To apply you just have to be 13-19 and live in England. Check the Mediabox website for eligibility and details.
It's your chance
Do you find that you often have nothing to do or nowhere to go in your area? Do you feel you have something to say about your life or what it’s like being a young person in England today but don’t have a platform to be heard?
Or maybe you have a genuine talent or really good idea but no cash to get you project off the ground. Simple or grand, as long as your poject makes a difference you could get an award.
Be realistic
So how do you come up with a good idea? Big ideas are not necessarily always the best ideas. Be realistic about what you can achieve with the time and money available to you.
Film & TV
If you’re into film and music your application could be based around a creative film for a music track. If you’re a budding film maker try joining forces with friends who make beats, sing or write lyrics to make your own film.
You might want to produce a documentary about something of specific interest to you. Your idea could centre around a story of a person in your area, or interesting local history or a particular sports team. Maybe you want to film a real life documentary of what life is like for you as a teenager where you live?
Take a look at the need2know guide to filming for help on how to start your project. Also have a look around the need2know website for subject areas that you could cover.
Print Media
You may prefer to express yourself with a pen and paper. There are magazines targeting your age group but perhaps you think you can you do better?
If you're an artist you might have ideas for comics and illustrated books and if you’re a story teller or budding journalists you might want to publish your short story or produce your own newspaper.
Radio
Radio is a great way to get your voice heard. This could be your chance to get funding for your own show. If you are part of a larger orgnization you and your team could even apply for a 'Big Media Box' fund for help with more ambitious projects such as your own community radio station.
As well as music programmes, radio also offers you the chance to create comedy sketches, drama and news programmes. These could be for traditional radio or might be in the form of a regular podcast. See the need2know guide to creating a podcast for help on how to do this.
Other online and interactive ideas could include creating your own game, website or CD Rom.
Good ideas
Mediabox is interested in really fresh and original ideas. However you may also come up with something simple that is going to make a big difference to you and your group. What’s most important is that you are going to learn new skills through your project and that it will also provide a platform for you and others to be heard.
The Mediabox website offers step by step instructions of how to complete your application form and come up with a winning idea.
If you do win an award, get in touch and we could be featuring you and your project on need2know.
Go and get creative and good luck!
