Past Projects

Cineclub Project

Cineclub is a network of filmmaking and film watching clubs for teenagers to screen and discuss their work with their peers and the wider community. What is distinctive about Cineclub is that it establishes a “model” of work that provides repeat opportunities for young people to make and watch films in a way that is sustainable for the partnership schools, youth-clubs, cinemas and youth production agencies involved.

Priscilla Benny, co-ordinator for Primary Gifted and Talented, set up a project with Cineclub for the May half-term 2008 with support from the Network. The project worked with Year 7 pupils from George Mitchell School together with pupils from Years 5 and 6 from local primary schools; Beaumont, Dawlish and St. Joseph’s Junior.

A particular feature of Cineclub’s work is to relate the pupils’ filmmaking to professional films and this project focussed on the work of Alfred Hitchcock. Over the four days the pupils viewed extracts from a number of Hitchcock films and incorporated ideas from these into their productions. Initially the pupils grumbled about the extracts being old and black and white, but rapidly came to appreciate the quality of Hitchcock’s work.

The pupils worked in three groups, producing three short films. They and their families were invited to a screening in September at the National Film Theatre where they were also able to see the work of similar projects from Barnet and Croydon.

The project was very successful with very positive comments from the pupils:

· It is sick bludd! I want to come here every week: loved it!
· I am a film star and pro at filming thanks to this.
· I loved it – it was a time where you can meet new people.
· All I want to say was it was excellent. I want another chance to come again!!!!
· The teachers were really fun and nice.
· I learned loads.
· They were really good at teaching me.

Hugh Meteyard