First Light Ambassadors

Joanne Froggatt

Joanne Froggatt starred in the most successful drama of 2010 ‘Downton Abbey’ by Oscar-winning scriptwriter Julian Fellowes, which is now filming its second series. In ‘In Our Name’ her lead role of a soldier returned from the Iraq war, struggling to readjust to civilian life won her the award for ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ at last year’s British Independent Film Awards. She has just finished a run of two new stage plays at London’s prestigious Bush theatre called ‘The Knowledge/Little Platoons’ as part of the Schools Season. She was also nominated for a Royal Television Society award for her title role in the film for television ‘Danielle Cable: Eye Witness’.

Can you tell us a bit about what it’s like working on Downton Abbey? Did you realise just how successful it was going to be?

Working on Downton Abbey is really fantastic. I absolutely love Julian’s scripts and the characters he creates. I love playing Anna and it really is a wonderful group of people to work with. We are all thrilled that it has been such a success and we are very much enjoying filming the second series.

You’ve had a very varied career thus far, having worked in theatre, TV series, feature films and shorts. Do you prefer any one area over the others, and is there a particular route you would like to take in the future?

I love all areas of acting (theatre, film and television). I’d really love to keep working in all three areas throughout my career and be as diverse an actor as possible. I’d certainly love to do more film and theatre roles over the next few years.

You starred in a short called ‘Echoes’ in 2009. Why do you think making shorts is important, and what are the main differences between shorts and feature films (beside the length of course!)?

I think making shorts is important because it is a great outlet for the creator to approach any subject matter or creative concept they wish to. They are relatively easy to get made and a fantastic grounding and showcase for up and coming film makers.

And finally, do you have any advice for young filmmakers trying to get into the industry?

My advice to any new film makers out there is just to persevere. If you are passionate about what you do and you enjoy it; keep at it!

We are thrilled that Joanne has agreed to be a First Light Ambassador. Watch this space for further news!

Manjinder Virk

Manjinder Virk is perhaps best known for her acting role in The Arbor, and on TV series such as Green Wing and Monroe, but thus far she has also worked in radio, written articles (there is one printed in The Guardian here) and written, directed and starred in numerous shorts. A woman of many talents, she was nominated for Best Actress and Most Talented Newcomer in the 2010 British Independent Film Awards.

With all this industry knowledge then, she is very well placed to be a First Light Ambassador, which means she will be providing advice to First Light’s young filmmakers and getting involved with events and projects where she can, throughout the year.

We have asked Manjinder some questions about her career thus far and for any tips she can give to young people trying to break into the industry. Watch this space to find out what she has to say…

Toby Jones

Voice of ‘Dobby’ in the Harry Potter films, and in recent films ‘The Rite’ and ‘Your Higness’, Toby Jones says

“I have been startled by the range and reach of First Light as a pioneering promoter of film: not just as an art form but as a way of learning collaboration, self reliance and mutual respect.”

Jason Isaacs

Known for playing baddie Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films and has been working on a film called ‘Abduction’ to be released this year.

Nathan Stewart-Jarrett

Curtis in the hit tv series ‘Misfits’ and currently filming for film ‘The Comedian’ out this year.

Ralf Little

Ralf Little returns to our screens in his very own sitcom for Sky1 ‘The Cafe’, written with co-star Michelle Terry and reuniting him with former ‘Royle Family’ co-star Craig Cash who directs. As well as penning this brand new 6 part comedy series, Ralf stars as a careworker by day/musician by night whose former childhood sweetheart returns from London to run her family’s Weston-Super-Mare café, the social hub of this seafront town. Ralf is perhaps best known having shot to fame as Anthony Royle in the BBC’s award winning cult TV series ‘The Royle Family’, moving on to a further brilliant turn in ‘Married Single Other’ (ITV) and featuring in films such as ’24 hour party people’ with Steve Coogan, Nick Moran’s ‘Telstar’ and winning critical acclaim in ‘The Waiting Room’ opposite Anne-Marie Duff.