Talented young filmmakers developed their skills for celluloid in a special series of workshops organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Working in conjunction with the Council’s pioneering Building the Future Together, a three-year programme that aims to improve the life chances and career opportunities of many thousands of young people in Rhondda Cynon Taf, the film-making project was an outstanding success.
Attended by enthusiastic pupils from Blaengwawr Comprehensive, Y Pant Comprehensive and St John Baptist High schools, the programme took place at the University of Glamorgan.
Over a four day period the young people were given expert tutorials by the Big Learning Company on how to turn the seed of an idea into a script, how to transform the script into film footage using state of the art HD cameras and then how to edit the moving images to make a short film on DVD.
Each day saw the group undertaking drama sessions to help develop their ideas and there were also lots of games to help them get to know each other. Each participant made their ideas come to life using industry techniques such as green screening, underwater filming and even filming on location in a real plane.
The ideas created by the group included travelling the world, jumping back to the 1950’s and even a monster on campus.
A second group also worked with directors from the animation studio Turnip Starfish Limited to develop their knowledge of how to produce a film in its entirety. Starting with the development of story skills and storyboarding, moving onto set and character development, plus animation, editing and creating sound effects.
All of the young people left with a DVD each of their work and they all received an ASDAN accreditation for their dedicated efforts. ASDAN is an approved awarding body offering programmes and qualifications to develop key life skills
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning Cllr Eudine Hanagan said: “Clearly this was a challenging and fun week with the young people working on professional looking films and creating their very own piece of film history.
“Building the Future Together is making a genuine, positive impact on the lives of so many young people throughout the County Borough. Thanks to this latest initiative we need to look out for the directors, actors and camera crews of the future!”
For further information on the Building the Future Together project please contact 01443 744304 or [email protected].
