Filmmaking project shoots and scores

SUPPORTERS will tell you that they have seen some epics, a touch of comedy and the odd disaster at the Capital’s football grounds.

But now Tynecastle and Easter Road are to be turned into mini movie studios in a bid to encourage youngsters into film.

Screen Education Edinburgh has teamed up with Hearts and Hibs to give 12 to 19-year-olds the chance to write, shoot, edit and act in their own short films.

The project, supported by Creative Scotland’s CashBack for Creativity programme, which reinvests money confiscated from criminals back into local areas, has already been successfully piloted in the north of the city.

Graham Fitzpatrick, Screen Education Edinburgh’s creative manager, told the Evening News: “Hearts and Hibs got involved because we were looking for neutral spaces where we could bring the kids together, and the most obvious to us was the football clubs.

“They also serve as a draw – kids that perhaps wouldn’t normally engage with this sort of project may be more likely to get involved if they see the clubs are 
connected.

“The sessions are open to all interested youngsters, but we’re particularly interested in reaching out to kids from deprived areas, who have perhaps been excluded from school or are in care.”

Following the taster sessions, the most dedicated youngsters will move forward to form two core filmmaking groups – one based at each club – and will take part in a 12-week 
course.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “The first project they’ll be tackling is making a music video. This week, we are launching a competition for young people to send us in tracks they have made themselves.

“Then we’ll hold an online vote on the best ones through our Facebook page. The two with the most votes will have a video made for them.

“It’s a good way to start filmmaking because it’s short, sharp, has no dialogue, but still tells a story.

“Then, once they’ve got a bit of experience, each of the groups will write and produce a short, dramatic film.”

As well as building confidence and learning valuable skills, those who complete the course will be awarded either a Youth Achievement Award or a Dynamic Youth Award, both of which are SQA accredited.

The taster workshops will take place tomorrow between 1.30pm and 4.30pm at Easter Road Stadium, and next Friday between 1.30pm and 4.30pm at Tynecastle Stadium.

Anyone interested in the project should e-mail [email protected]