LS12 Film Engaging and Inspiring Young People

A group of 50 youngsters, some with learning disabilities or other barriers learning, took part in LS12 Film in an aspirational, six-month, film project making films about their own lives.    They came from across Leeds and ranged in age from 13 to 25.

Using the backdrop of Armley in West Leeds as its location, the project offered ‘mini’ apprenticeships in camera technique, sound production, storytelling and editing. 

The resulting 13 films include ‘The Armley Monk’ a martial arts  epic; ‘Jelly Babies’ a true story about a boy who tells lies and has to live with the consequences; ‘The Greatest Dancer’ which looks at the life of an invisible boy who gets noticed on the dance floor; and ‘Battle it Out’, a drama about how friendship is made and broken through a mutual love of Rap music.

The young people worked alongside a range of professional actors, film makers, sound engineers and script writers, including Mick Martin from Bradford who writes for Channel 4.  Mick was struck by the high level of commitment shown by the participants:

“What's especially pleasing is seeing them develop and grow in terms of confidence and technical skill” he said.  “It's amazing to see the difference from where we began last October.”

All the young people were encouraged to pitch ideas for their films to a panel of professionals, including executives from the BBC, in a highly competitive dragon’s den style knockout event.   Sarah Hamer, 16, felt that the project had really been worthwhile:

“I think it really benefits people who haven’t got anything to do and gives them more opportunities” she said.

The project attracted £75,000 worth of funding from the Department of Education and Skills through a programme called Mediabox 

All the films were showcased as part of the Leeds Young People’s Film Festival in April 2008 at The Vue Cinema, Kirkstall Road.