“Hearts of Gold, Sefton at 50” Film Project Commissioned by Sefton CVS Scope. A 10–15 Minute Documentary-Style Film Celebrating Sefton’s 50th Anniversary, Community Heritage Trails, and Project Legacy.
Overview & Commission Brief
Sefton CVS is hiring a filmmaker or videographer to produce a 10 to 15-minute documentary-style film celebrating the culmination of the National Heritage Lottery-funded “Hearts of Gold” project.
This project marked Sefton’s 1974–2024 golden anniversary by exploring local heritage, uncovering unsung heroes, and building community skills across the borough. The film will be led by a central narrator, Bootle Docker James Stewart (an actor), who guides viewers along community heritage trails in Bootle, Netherton, and Formby.
They want a professional who can combine local history and community voices, with strong footage into a clear story that highlights the project’s legacy and encourages people to get involved.
Key Dates
Deadline 24 September
Screenings x 5 Community Locations across Sefton x 5 Screenings across Sefton Libraries
Film Structure & Content Requirements
The filmmaker will work from a clear five-part structure:
1. Introduction: The Background and Vision
• Setting the Scene: Footage of Sefton, from coastlines and towns to the
countryside, introducing the 1974–2024 golden anniversary milestone.
• The Project: Introducing the National Heritage Lottery-funded Hearts of
Gold project managed by Sefton CVS.
• The Core Focus: Highlighting local heritage, “unsung heroes,” special
places, and memorable events from the past five decades, led by our
narrator, James Stewart.
2. How We Did It: Design, Funding, and Collaboration
• Funding & Exhibitions: Showing how Sefton CVS grants supported local
groups and organisations.
• Collaboration: Showing the behind-the-scenes process with the grantees,
volunteers, community groups, and partners.
• Training & Capacity Building: Illustrating how participants learned new
skills, historical research methods, and local knowledge.
3. What We Produced: Trails, Hearts, and Activities
• The Trails: Featuring the community heritage trails across the borough
(including Bootle, Netherton, and Formby).
• The Hearts Art Activity: Showcasing the Hearts of Gold Arts Activities.
• Showcasing Grantees: Using fast cuts to spotlight grantee projects, local
exhibitions, and community art activities across the funded groups.
4. What We Learnt & New Knowledge
• Uncovering Local Knowledge: Reflecting on discoveries in Sefton that
might otherwise have been forgotten.
• Participant Feedback: Brief soundbites from participants on how learning
about local heritage changed perspectives and brought communities
closer.
5. Legacy & How to Get Involved
• The Digital Legacy: Pointing viewers to the Online Interactive Map,
exhibition, and the “Fill in a Heart” online call-to-action (sharing people,
places, and events they love in Sefton).
• Resources: Directing audiences to trail leaflets and digital guides
provided by Sefton CVS.
Production Style & Expectations
• Narrative Lead: Feature actor-led segments with James Stewart (Bootle
Docker) guiding the audience on-screen and through voiceover.
• Visuals: Intercut talking heads with footage of people walking the trails,
close-ups of the Heart activities, Simon Archer’s wooden hearts/QR
codes, and community exhibition spaces.
• Pacing: Keep Sections 2 and 3 energetic.
• Final Deliverables: A fully edited 10–15 minute master film, optimised for
online platforms (website, YouTube/Vimeo) and community screenings,
complete with closed captions.
How to Apply
Interested filmmakers/videographers should submit:
• A brief proposal or treatment outlining your creative approach.
• A portfolio or showreel of previous documentary, community, or heritage
film work.
• An estimated budget breakdown and production timeline.
Please submit applications via the web form below:
‘Hearts of Gold, Sefton at 50 Film’ Project Commissioned by Sefton CVS – Fill
out form
Any Questions please contact: heritage@seftoncvs.org.uk
CALL OUT: COMMISSION FOR FILMMAKER / VIDEOGRAPHER
Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS). Registered Charity No. 1024546.
Registered in England, Company Ltd. by Guarantee No. 2832920.
Please submit applications via the web form below:
‘Hearts of Gold, Sefton at 50 Film’ Project Commissioned by Sefton CVS – Fill
out form – https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=AYyipLSCaUGxjhX8elPZdf6BP0dsAVlJsqgrBPAWn75UNzE1V0Y3SzhCQjJUSldXU0dJNjI3NzBRNS4u&route=shorturl