Being a student in a capital city is never easy, and London is no exception, as our WHEN ALUMNI CONVENE series has highlighted. However, there are several organisations out there who offer financial support schemes. While one example is the Creative Skillset bursary, which alumni such as Koby Adom have benefited from, another is the John Brabourne Awards (JBAs).
The JBAs are a talent development programme providing financial assistance of between £1,000 and £5,000 to individuals working behind the scenes in the film and television industries. They are a stepping stone for individuals who are talented and driven, but who have faced hurdles in developing their career. Difficulties faced by JBA recipients in recent years have included: lack of finances, professional setbacks, accident, illness and personal circumstances preventing time and ability to work. One of last year’s awardees was The London Film School's Nathalie Pitters, winner of the Creative Skillset bursary in 2014, and this year, 12 recipients of the JBA have been named after a record 250 applications. Among them was LFS filmmaker Sedi Ghadiri, a London-based German-Iranian, whose early works have explored the notion of diaspora and displacement.
Ghadiri feels the JBA will aid her two fold. "My most challenging experience while studying in London has been the housing issue, which has made me feel unsettled after many years living in this city.” Helping to deal with this pressing issue will in turn benefit other areas of her life. “It will allow me to focus working on my graduation film with less financial worries. I can commit to my best creative abilities and not loose time and energy working full time while trying to complete my studies.” Such creative abilities helped to produce her Term 3 documentary, BOXING JONI, in which a Muay Thai fighter had to balance her passion with single-motherhood. “Growing up without parents, I am fascinated by the relationship dynamics between parents and their children."
From 2017, the JBAs will be awarded twice a year, and Ghadiri had a simple piece of advice for anyone hoping to benefit from the programme. "The most important part of the application process for the JB award is the written application. It's important to be very honest and detailed about your background, educational and professional achievements and to clearly explain why you need the award to complete your studies.”
In the past, the JBA has gone towards assistance with (but not solely restricted to):
- Production and development finance
- Post production and festival distribution
- Living and travel expenses
- Childcare
- Tuition fees
- Short training programmes
- Secondments
To apply for the next round, visit the JBA website to find out more about eligibility before the deadline on 31st January 2017.
Photo Credit: Kornpat Pawakranond
Written by Ben Corbett