New James Bond to judge the best of the UK's young film talent

New 007 Daniel Craig, ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ star Martin Freeman, film director Anthony Minghella CBE and television wildlife presenter Sir David Attenborough are just some of the celebrities judging this year's First Light Film Awards.
The awards recognise the UK’s best young filmmakers aged between five and 18 and take place on 28 February 2006 at the Odeon West End in London’s Leicester Square.
All the nominated films were created through the UK Film Council's First Light initiative, using National Lottery grants worth an average of almost £5,000 per film.
The judging team also includes Perrier Comedy Award winner Jenny Eclair and television favourite Martin Clunes.
Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq will host the ceremony which will be attended by over 200 young people as well as UK film industry executives and Minister for Creative Industries and Tourism James Purnell MP.
Awards are up for grabs in ten categories including comedy, horror and drama and films cover every subject from the difficulties of being a young parent to debates about scientific ethics.
Films from the following areas have been nominated: Ballyclare, Birmingham, Dorset, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Colchester, Derby, Exeter, Glasgow, Leamington Spa, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newton Abbot, Northampton, Paisley, Penarth, Plymouth, East Sussex, Roseburn, Sheffield, Skirlaugh, Stockton-on-Tees, Swindon and Yateley.
UK Film Council Chief Executive Officer John Woodward said: "First Light gives young people across the UK a fantastic opportunity to make short films under the guidance of professional filmmakers. They get to see their ideas turned into stories on the big screen and learn valuable skills in the process.”
First Light Chief Executive Pip Eldridge said: "The 2006 awards promise to be yet another wonderful occasion. The nominated films are fantastically imaginative and diverse, representing the very best of the next generation of UK filmmaking talent. I'm delighted we've managed to attract so many top names on to our judging panel."
(GB)