Summer camp helps youngsters with their film careers

August 31 2010

A five-week summer camp for aspiring film-makers, sponsored by the Co-operative Group, has led to a full-length feature film being made.

One hundred and fifty youngsters stayed at the Co-operative British Youth Film Academy (BYFA) residential camp over the summer holidays, which was hosted by actor Chirs Ellison, most famous for his role in ITV drama The Bill as DCI Frank Burnside.

Mr Ellison helped the participants — aged from 14 years plus — complete The Limelight, described as a dark, gritty tale that reflects on today’s television talent show generation.

The Co-operative Group’s £500,000, three-year support for BYFA, is part of the society’s Inspiring Young People Campaign — designed to open up ways for the next generation to seize opportunities.

The partnership will allow more than 3,000 students to experience the various aspects of professional feature film production. Supported by mentors with backgrounds in industry and education, everything from camera to makeup and from wardrobe to post-production is offered to students to enhance their CVs and help them make decisions about career choices.

Category: Wider Co-op Movement