Image: Stephanie Howell shooting her short film Don’t Judge Me
By Lesley Finlay
Anyone who has grown up alongside the explosion of technology will be astounded by the infinite possibilities it offers. If you have just a smidgen of confidence in using digital media you can achieve amazing things – from simple presentations to full-blown animations. Another aspect of technology is its potential in creating careers – the creative industry sector continues to grow despite the credit crunch. But with many people going into careers with the same knowledge, those with excellent skills and expertise will have the edge.
With jobs increasingly hard to come by, students with nous should be working hard to give themselves the edge by learning about how the industry really works, and young people with any wish to move into film-making could benefit from a new website which helps develop the necessary skills.
Most of our young people will be able to make films (press record, press stop, upload to PC or Mac, edit on MovieMaker, upload to YouTube) but how do they get real knowledge of film-making?
You might wish to point your students in the direction of uScreen, a cutting edge, fully accessible website which aims to provide young people – and in particular deaf and disabled pupils – the opportunity to share, learn and collaborate on film-making.
It is simple to use – the website is clear, colourful and straightforward, and offers some honest, down-to-earth advice on how to progress a career in film in its comprehensive ‘How to’ section. Areas covered – in film and print form – include how to make animations, how to get started with filming and even the importance of gaining consent from people you will be filming.
The website also has a unique audio description function which allows film-makers to add subtitles, provide voiceovers to their uploaded films while they play online, insert their own images to films or use uScreen’s extensive stock library.
They can also use the British Sign Language tool to sign their own films. All users are able to watch any of the films with these options so they can just click and play. All films are submitted for approval so the content of the films are managed appropriately and safeguard all young people.
The site is run by Screen South, the film and media agency for the South East of England (covering a vast area from the Isle of Wight up to Milton Keynes).
Image: uScreen Filympics workshop at Wexham Base
The company supports budding film-makers in a variety of ways from script writing to film heritage. Jo Nolan, the chief executive, said: ‘Screen South is very excited and proud to launch uScreen, which raises the bar in terms of inclusivity. We’re hoping uScreen will support online learning as well as offering a programme of live events and festivals.’
uScreen is a collaboration between Screen South, itfc, the London-based Audio Description/Caption company, BBC Blast and BBC Regions, and will be launched onto the national stage on September 14.
Disabled animator Andy Gibbs has run free workshops to teach young people about making film more accessible through audio description and stock frame animation. He worked with Gary Shenton, who told Ink Pellet: ‘The potential of the uScreen website and the creative tools it offers is a tremendous opportunity for collaborative, accessible film-making.’
Help for all budding film-makers is available from the British Film Instiute, which aims to develop the film industry. It can support students by introducing them to British and worldwide cinema, as well as supporting innovation and the new generation of film-makers.
The institute offers training days and special events that are tied in to curriculum events so it’s one other resource to remember – especially as some of its offerings are free!
uScreen is launched at BFI Southbank on September 14th from 12.30pm until 2pm. To join in the film-making fun or to find out details of workshops, visit www.uscreen.co.uk. For further details about what the BFI can offer you, visit www,bfi.org.uk.