Thirty young filmmakers from Hertsmere have celebrated the success of the first programme delivered through Hertsmere Creative Futures, a free five-day Film and TV course, which saw them create their own original film and watch it premiere on the big screen at REEL Cinema in Borehamwood.
During the October half-term, young people aged 11 to 17 got behind the camera to experience filmmaking first-hand. From developing scripts and storyboards to operating cameras, recording sound, directing scenes and editing, they worked together to produce their own short film, The Face, in just five days.
They also had the opportunity to visit Sky Studios Elstree and learn from industry professionals, including Rebecca Hawkes, Head of Studios at Elstree Studios, and John Lee, Head of Model Making at the National Film and Television School (NFTS), who led a practical model-making masterclass. Students also took part in specialist practical effects workshops delivered by BRAVE FX.
The week culminated in a red-carpet premiere at REEL Cinema in Borehamwood, where the young filmmakers were joined by family and friends to watch their finished film on the big screen.
The five-day filmmaking course was the first programme delivered through Hertsmere Creative Futures, a new fully funded Hertsmere Borough Council’s initiative designed to introduce local young people to career opportunities in the Film and TV industry. Brilliant Film Academy were commissioned to develop and deliver the inaugural programme.
Feedback from participants and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the success of Hertsmere Creative Futures' first programme in helping young people build confidence, develop new skills, and gain a greater understanding of the wide range of careers available within the Film and TV industry.
One student described the best part as “discovering new careers in film and TV”, while another said: “I loved making the movie and learning about how everything works.
David Jenkins, Founder of Brilliant Film Academy, said:
“I’m so proud of what these young people achieved in just five days. Many arrived with little or no practical filmmaking experience, and by Friday they were watching a film they’d made together on the big screen.
“It wasn’t just about learning how to use the equipment. They had to work together, make decisions and solve problems along the way. That’s what makes practical filmmaking such a valuable experience.”
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, said:
“Hertsmere has a thriving Film and TV industry, and we want more local young people to know about the opportunities it offers. “
This programme has given 30 young people the chance to try filmmaking for themselves, meet people working in the industry and find out about careers they might never have considered.
“Seeing their finished film on the big screen at REEL Cinema was a wonderful way to end the week. Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you to Brilliant Film Academy for delivering our first Hertsmere Creative Futures programme. ”