Media Trust Volunteer Films Team

In the past year, Media Trust’s volunteer filmmaking team has turned 16,280 hours of skilled volunteering into 50 powerful charity films, created by 715 volunteer filmmakers and crew members across the UK.

Each project brings together directors, producers, editors, camera operators, sound specialists and wider production crews, supported by a Media Trust staff executive producer. The volunteers give their time and skills to make high-quality charity films which the charities would not otherwise be able to afford or have the expertise to produce and distribute. The charities involved gain strong creative assets that compellingly describe their work and their impact, helping them raise funds, recruit volunteers and reach new supporters.

Media Trust recruits volunteer filmmakers from our network, ensuring they have the right skills and experience to tackle the charities’ creative briefs. The directors then work with their charity, familiarising themselves with the organisation’s work and building trust with staff, volunteers and service users.

The results are significant. Films have helped charities increase website traffic, raise income and grow awareness. One charity saw a 300% increase in website traffic, while another raised £30,000 in just 10 days. Films have been screened at the United Nations in New York and the International Muslim Film Festival.

Charities gain storytelling skills, confidence and creativity. Communities gain agency, self-belief and a voice. Volunteers gain purpose, insight and connections with new talent and communities. Combined, they show the extraordinary impact skilled volunteering can have when it is both inclusive and ambitious.