Big screen beckons young film-makers

Short films produced by primary school children are heading for the big screen.

The youngsters have been cameramen, directors and actors for their silent films that will be shown at Reel Cinema, Newark.

The schools involved are Holy Trinity, Bishop Alexander primary, Hawtonville junior and the Mount primary, Newark, Coddington primary, Muskham primary and Manners Sutton primary, Averham.

They are part of the primary arts programme at the Magnus School, Newark, run by community arts co-ordinator, Miss Leanne Phillips.

Pupils in year five at Coddington are making films about an ordinary school day becoming extraordinary.

The 38 children aged nine and ten were split into four groups.

They designed story boards with pictures to show the details of each film scene and filming is now taking place using hand-held camcorders.

Plots for the films, set to the song, Mistress Mabel, by The Fratellis, include the children flying to Jupiter for a party and the school hosting a talent competition similar to the television programme, Britain’s Got Talent.

Teacher Mrs Maree Clark said the children took it in turns to act, direct and use the camera.

“The children like being in charge of projects like this,” she said.

“They are planning everything together, organising each other and choosing the camera angles. They have to organise their work and work as part of a team.”

The primary arts programme at the Magnus is leading drama and dance projects in primary schools.

She said: “If you teach arts to children of a younger age their motivation and willingness to learn is increased.

“The children love taking part in arts projects. It gives them the responsibility and environment in which they can engage in an activity.”

The films produced by all the schools will be shown to parents and pupils at Reel Cinema on July 11 and the Magnus School on July 16.

The films will be judged and the school that produces the winning entry will receive a video camera and tripod.