Media Trust Films

We are passionate about helping charities promote their work through powerful storytelling and pride ourselves on our sensitive and collaborative approach to filmmaking. The films are completely free for the charities and vary enormously in style and content. The films strengthen the voice of the charities, raising awareness of their work and support volunteer recruitment, campaigning and fundraising.

For over ten years, Media Trust Films has produced award-winning films for several different funders including City Bridge Foundation, John Lyon’s Charity, The Mercers’ Company and now The Santander Foundation. We work with some of the industry’s most creative directors, producers, crew and editors to make powerful and engaging charity films that can be widely shared.

Apply to become a volunteer director for Media Trust Films now

Media Trust Films oversees all the elements of production, and also train the selected charities in social media, filmmaking and distribution strategy. Once completed, the copyright of the film belongs to the charity, and they are given all assets created during the filmmaking process for their own use. Funders can host a screening event to celebrate the release of the films and the work of everyone involved. The screenings have been in venues such as the Barbican, ICA, Everyman Cinema, the Ham Yard Hotel, and Curzon Soho.

We truly couldn't have asked for a better director or crew to collaborate with on this project! I really can't thank Media Trust Films enough for matching us with them and allowing us to create this film together.

Charity lead, 2023

How it works

A funder can either nominate a number of charities, typically around ten per project, who would benefit from a film or we can help administer an application process.  Media Trust Films then pairs the charity with highly skilled volunteer filmmakers and guides the charity through the whole process, answering their questions and helping them get the most from the project.

#WordsTakeYouPlaces, Doorstep Library
Directed by Michaela Lowe

Individual filmmakers work closely on the development of the film with the charity and will produce this film pro-bono, volunteering approximately two days shooting and three days editing as part of the process.  Production expenses are covered by a recently increased fee of £2500 per film. The films are usually around 3 minutes long.

Working with Media Trust Films is always a truly fulfilling experience. You end up wanting to make the best possible film and want to call in all the favours due to their positive outlook and the inclusive environment they create. Long may it continue!

Media Trust Films’ Volunteer Director, 2023

BUD, Mind Food
Directed by Claire Norowzian

Award winning productions

The films have high production values and are often award-winning. #WordsTakeYouPlaces produced for Doorstep Library, in an unprecedented feat for a charity of its size, won Best Charity Film at the Third Sector Awards 2020, beating off competition from nationwide charities. In 2023, Me & My Stammer, produced for Action for Stammering Children won The People’s Choice Award at The Smiley Charity Film Awards. Alongside, The Hand That Helps, produced for the Young Westminster Foundation, which won the £1-2 million turnover category. 

If you are a funder and interested in offering this opportunity to your beneficiaries, please contact us at [email protected] to find out more. Please note this a closed scheme, only open to selected beneficiaries of the funders.

Commissioned Films 

We also offer Commissioned Films to organisations that want support producing content. 

If you are a charity and you are interested in us putting together a budget outline for a commissioned film for you, please get in touch at [email protected].

 

Our Corporate Partners

We enjoy outstanding support from the media industry. Our partners include: