Over 350 children throughout Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have each produced a short film of their own in 2010, courtesy of the Movie Makers Club held by Light Films.
Clubs take place after school on school premises, on a Saturday and during holidays. The students, all aged 6-18, are taught to produce films from start to finish. The quality of their scriptwriting is second to none for their age groups, and Director Tom Wadlow is incredibly proud of them.
"After being told for many years by teachers and school career advisors at school that I should give up on my dream of being a filmmaker because it will never materialise, I was determined to give something back to the community following the success of my independent filmmaking at Universal Studios in LA and since returning to the UK in 2006 with my company Light Films. I'm determined to educate our future filmmakers that it is possible, and that they can be very successful within the film industry. It all comes down to opportunity and attitude."
Once the films are written, prepared and produced the students have glamorous film premieres at The Derby Conference Centre on London Road. The centre is also home to the Movie Makers Saturday club.
With the recent closure of the UK Film Council and the future of film funding looking very bleak, Light Films educate the children in all areas of film including the commercial aspects including marketing and branding.
"Marketing and sourcing funding for the film is one of the most important parts of filmmaking. In addition to our standard classes, we have guest speakers attend sessions to educate the students in the more intricate parts of filmmaking. Our guests include music video producers, feature film directors of photography, script writers and so on..." says Chrissa Maund, Commercial Director for the company.
The Light Films filmmaking schools are completely unique to this age group, and the children are benefitting hugely with parents seeing huge differences in their children.
"My sons have wanted to make films for a while, but never really knew where to start. Since attending a Movie Makers Club last year they have made a lot of films, both at home and with Light Films, and as a result I have bought a blue screen for them to use at home."
In 2011 Light Films will launch their first adults educational courses in filmmaking, which is something they're incredibly excited about; "Almost every parent of our Movie Makers has asked if they, too, can get involved as the classes are active but so interesting! It made sense that we launch an adults class as there is a huge gap in the market for affordable filmmaking courses." Stated Tess Machin, Education Manager for Light Films.
Light Films are holding a visitors day whereby children and parents can come and see what happens at Movie Makers Club, and welcomes anyone who has an interest in film production and drama. The visitors day will take place on Saturday 6th November, 10am - 11am at The Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby. Visitors are advised to email info@lightfilms.co.uk for more information and to advise of their attendance on the day. All photographs by Ewan Mathers (www.ewanmathers.com) and Jen Miles (www.gravityrides.co.uk)
