Local schoolchildren gain a unique insight into filmmaking

Twenty-two, 8-10 year olds from Crackly Bank Primary School enjoyed a day-long workshop in film production at the Stoke campus of Staffordshire University last week.

The university’s in-house video production company, Unique Media Production*, ran the day with the help of four student volunteers. The aspiring filmmakers were involved in every aspect of the production process, from script writing and storyboarding, right through the shooting stage and finally directing the first cut of their films in post-production.

The mini-filmmakers worked as both cast and crew to produce four ‘Charlie Chaplin-style’ silent films over the course of the day.

Anna Town, a representative from the school said:
“It was lovely that the children could have a go at filming their own pieces and it was really interesting for them to see how all the different roles were important and had a special job to do. Since returning to school, they have been raving about it to all and sundry. I myself had a thoroughly enjoyable day and I know that the children would love to return in future in order to learn even more.”

Rachel Brewster, Unique’s newly appointed Production Manager explained:
“The four Level 5 student volunteers from Media (Film Production) awards (Will Alcock, Ellie Ford, David Gammon, Louis Jopling) did an absolutely fantastic job on the day. They really rose to the challenge and were a credit to the university and the filmmaking profession.  Everyone had a wonderfully fun, exciting (and noisy) day and I feel sure that Unique, and the students, have inspired some future filmmakers in the process.
The school are planning on holding a screening of the films (‘Halloweeeen!’, ‘The Vets’, ‘Mr. Mole’ and ‘Should Have Gone to Specsavers!’) for family and friends just before Christmas.

*If you would like to keep up to date with other projects that Unique are working on, take a look at their facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/uniquemediaproduction or follow them on Twitter: @uniquemediauk