£10k to produce an inspiring film on careers in the Horticulture industry

Using the strapline ‘The Earth in Our Hands', filmmakers are asked to submit an original storyboard for a film which challenges the stereotypes surrounding horticulture and encourages young people to consider a career in the diverse industry. The winning filmmaker will have access to a significant budget of £10,000 to produce their film.  The closing date for entries is Friday 21 March. The full film brief and terms and conditions can be found at www.thesmalls.com/pitch-room/grow.

GROW Careers is an initiative set up by a group of influential horticultural organisations informing people about careers and opportunities within the industry. The group, which includes British Growers Association, Farming and Countryside Education (FACE), The Horticultural Development Company (HDC), The Institute of Horticulture (IoH), LANTRA, The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), and professional gardener and TV presenter David Domoney's company Domoney Ltd, is dedicated to improving the perception of horticulture in the UK and encouraging young people to think differently about a career within the industry (see www.GrowCareers.info for full list of supporters and more information).

‘Horticulture Matters', a report submitted to Government by leading horticultural organisations found that 70% of 18-year-olds believe horticultural careers should only be considered by people who have ‘failed academically' and nearly 50% of under-25s think horticulture is an unskilled career. By commissioning the short film, the group intends to dispel such myths, reflecting instead the passion of those in the industry and the need for future generations of creative, talented, skilled people.

The completed film will be launched in September this year and widely publicised by participating horticultural organisations as a tool to inspire potential young horticulturalists in schools and colleges, as well as used on social media sites and at prestigious shows including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2015.