An inclusive space where the creative industries come together to support each other, foster collaboration, fuel innovation, and grow professionally.
Mission
Fuelled by authenticity, our industrial landscape, and the distinctive northern can-do attitude, we aim to redefine creative excellence in the region and stick it to the south by forging robust links between northern visual artists, SMEs, not-for-profits and the educational sector.
Unite and support creatives for growth
Empower northern talent to redefine standards
Offer tailored resources and legal/business aid
Host expert talks, workshops, and spotlights
Develop skills across a range of creative areas
Advocate networking opportunities
What We Don’t
Allow Self-Serving Practices
Passive Engagement
Enforce self-indulgent content
Our aim is to ensure that Square Lens Alliance supports the local creative landscape in achieving its full potential to compete with other regions.
TAKE PART - MAKE A FILM
FILM JURY - JUDGE THE FILMS
Ready for a creative challenge? The Squared Away Film Competition is a 3-week filmmaking adventure where filmmakers of all abilities team up to create 2-3 minute films celebrating the unique locations and heritage of Calderdale.
This competition is all about collaboration, connection, and creativity. It’s a chance to work with other filmmakers, make new connections, and showcase your story in a fun, supportive environment.
You’ll kick things off with a Training Bootcamp, where you’ll form teams, and then you’ll have 3 weeks to plan, shoot, and edit your films. Work around your own schedules to get it done!
Along the way, we’ve got Big Sisters like Sticks & Glass, The Digital Cortex, Yorkshire Edit, and Resonance Sound offering mentorship, access to equipment, and industry expertise. They’re here to help you grow, open doors, and make valuable connections in the industry.
At the end of it all, there will be a Film Screening & Celebration Event as part of the CultureDale festival, where the films will be showcased, and winners will be announced.
If you don’t fancy making a film, join our Film Jury and help judge the winners!
Sign up to join the filmmaking teams or, if you're based in Calderdale, apply to be part of the Film Jury (only open to Calderdale residents).
KEY DATES
Sign up deadline: 24th March
Bootcamp & Competition Start: 29th March
Film Submission Deadline: 18th April Jury
Judging Workshop: 24th April
Film Screening & Awards Ceremony: 24th April (Square Lens Event)
We'll announce our sponsors soon, watch this space!
Engagement Opportunities & Collaborative Projects
Creative workshops, practical skills-building, networking events, and collaboration on projects while also helping in easing the crewing for any art-related projects.
Professional development
Seminars, training programs, mentoring schemes, and peer-to-peer support for a well-rounded support network.
Advocacy & Resource Sharing
Collective advocacy against issues affecting the creative industry. Empowering our community by sharing and showcasing knowledge, tools, and expertise with others in the community.
Legal and Business Support
Access to legal advice, business resources, and contract templates tailored for creative industries to help with legal and business aspects.
Be a part of things
We’re a friendly bunch. SLA members aren’t just names on a database, we welcome all participants to have their say in steering groups and brainstorming sessions to shape the future of the Alliance and bring your innovative input to the table.
Bimonthly Meetings
Our meetings are held every two months in the relaxed and creative atmosphere of the Copper Auditorium at Square Chapel Arts Centre, located in the heart of Halifax
BECOME A MEMBER
Members of Square Lens Alliance are passionate about creating visual stories that entertain, inspire, and challenge. We believe in the power of collaborative effort and the magic it brings into existence. Buckle your seatbelts and prepare for a thrilling journey!
Square Lens Alliance strives to ignite the creativity of talented artists, fostering an environment of support and commitment to cinematic excellence.
Living by our vision and values is at the heart of our endeavour. Our goal? To create a collective that celebrates the power of storytelling, the creativity of our members, and the profound impact of visual storytelling.
Meet the visionaries behind Square Lens Alliance.
Our members are dedicated to crafting visual narratives that captivate, motivate, and provoke thought. We kindle the artistic flame and pledge to keep that fire lit. Full stop.
We nurture an atmosphere rooted in support and a quest for visual brilliance whilst building a community that reveres the art of storytelling, celebrates the ingenuity of our members, and recognizes the profound impact of visual narratives.
Meet the trailblazers who laid the foundation for Square Lens Alliance's vision.
DAVE HACKNEY
Filmmaker
ALIXE LOBATO
Creative Director
DERYN CARR
Cinematographer
Dawn Feather
Filmmaker & Lecturer
March 07th, 2024
May 16th, 2024
July 11th, 2024
September 12th, 2024
