From 2009 – 2010 I delivered a programme of film making workshops on the theme of ‘identity’ for The Curzon Cinema, Clevedon, funded by Find Your Talent. Workshops took place at 6 primary schools and 3 local youth clubs with young people aged from 4 – 25. We started all sessions with discussions and activities focused on what young people thought about ‘identity’ and how it related to them.
Each group took the theme in a unique direction and over several weeks moved through the process of choosing ideas & pitching ideas, character and story development, storyboarding, learning camera and sound skills, creating sets, and shooting the films. Some groups chose to make live action films, some went for a documentary style, some created animations and a few mixed up several genres to interesting effect.
A highlight was the young people getting to view their work on the big screen. ‘Treasure Hunt’ won the 2009 Curzon short film competition for its age group and ‘Small Faces’ went on to be selected for the Watershed’s Electric December 2010.
“The children really enjoyed taking part in making and acting in the film. It was wonderful to see them growing in confidence as the project progressed and the ensuing result was fantastic. Pippa Robinson the film maker [had an] excellent way of working with children and adults” Ruth Newton, Head of St John the Evangelist Primary School
“All our children were fully involved in the ideas, storyboards and acting in the film. Even the quietest children found their voice” Angela Lovett, Teaching Assistant Yeo Moor Infant School
