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Birmingham City University realises film making dreams

5106 / AT 5th August 2008

• University helps local students to make a film
  
  
• Project forms part of Government initiative
  
  
• Film to be screened at Birmingham Odeon cinema in September

Birmingham City University is offering 46 movie-mad youngsters with a unique opportunity to test out their film-making skills as they direct their way to their first red carpet.

The Film Summer School is part of the West Midlands Excellence Hub, a Government “Gifted and Talented” project to raise standards in teaching and learning.

Angela Morris, Excellence Hub and Gifted & Talented Coordinator, said: “The West Midlands Excellence Hub aims to provide gifted and talented youngsters with a wealth of opportunities designed to stretch and challenge them outside the classroom.  Birmingham City University’s Film School is a fantastic example of the exciting and innovative events available in the West Midlands.”

The youngsters – aged 13 to 15 - have been involved in every aspect of the production process including script writing, film making, editing and scoring music to their horror film called The Sweeper, which will be screened at the Odeon in New Street, on September 9th.

In order for the project to succeed Birmingham City University had to work collaboratively, cross faculty to sustain such high standards. The University’s School of Art building at Margaret Street became the backdrop for the film, which saw Rebecca Hodgkiss, aged 15, from Birmingham School of Acting’s Saturday Club take the lead role as the ghostly Sweeper.

Steve Harding, Corporate Development Manager at Birmingham City University, said:  “The Gifted and Talented Film School shows how the University can help young people discover the potential offered by film making both for personal creativity and for team work. It was great to see young people from all over the region taking part in this innovative programme involving such a broad spectrum of University provision.”

These fantastic workshops have offered these ambitious youngsters the opportunity to work alongside professional film-makers, encouraging them to enhance their leadership skills and ability to work within teams whilst unleashing their creative talent.

Dylan Irmak, aged 15 from Light Hall School in Shirley, commented:  “I’ve never done anything like this before; I’ve found the whole experience very interesting, I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills. It’s developed my team building skills as well as my technical experience of film making and has given me insight into the film world which I now want to go into!”

Birmingham–born film-maker Justin Edgar, well known for being the youngest ever director to make a feature film, called Largin It premiered at London, Cannes, Melbourne Festivals in 2003, supported the youngsters with the production of their film, channelling their creative energies through visualization and storytelling.  He said:  “I wish I was given this break into the film industry at this age.  The Birmingham City University Film Summer School has given them an all round taster of short films and a grounding to take it on as a career, which they’re all keen to do.  Their commitment, maturity and conscientious attitude was very impressive to see, better than some film crews I work with!”

The Summer School is an exciting hands-on experience into a specialist subject matter and will not only improve the professional development of the students, but offers them confidence and insight into the cultural and creative industries, as well as enriching and building on their current experiences.

Screen Media Lab (SML) is responsible for project coordinating the Gifted and Talented Film Summer School and is part of Birmingham City University’s Department of Media.  SML specialises in delivering externally funded projects to assist local businesses and graduates in their entrepreneurial elements of business development.

Sara Harris, Director of External Funding and of SML said: “The enterprise team at Birmingham City University’s Screen Media Lab recognised the huge benefits the Film Summer School would provide the region’s digital media industry and youngsters involved, targeting a specific age group (13 to 15) that can be influenced to determine their future career path, whilst offering first hand experience of life within the creative sector.

Their horror film ‘The Sweeper’ is the culmination of a fantastic amount of work that 46 students have achieved, in collaboration, utilizing facilities from across the University in order to achieve this dramatic outcome.

For more details about Gifted and Talented, please log on to: http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/giftedandtalented/

For further information please contact Birmingham City University Media Relations Office on 0121 331 6738, email press@bcu.ac.uk or out of hours on 07967 271 532.

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