Young filmmakers ‘Vue’ their own movie

Schoolchildren in South Lanarkshire experienced the glamour of the big screen with the recent launch of their self-penned educational DVD at Hamilton’s Vue Cinema.

On Tuesday June 17, Strathclyde Police officers invited the young filmmakers, their friends, family, partners and dignitaries along to the first ever screening of the ‘Make a Difference’ DVD.

The DVD is the result of an initiative undertaken by Strathclyde Police and partners to tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour and the negative effects that this type of behaviour can have on local communities and their surrounding environment.

Over a six-week period, 24 third year pupils from Cathkin High School, Trinity High School and Stonelaw High School attended workshops facilitated by a local production company called Frames Per Second and Rutherglen Community Safety Department. The budding filmmakers were involved in all aspects of production, both in front of and behind the camera, and learned the necessary skills to design, script, develop, act and produce the DVD.

The DVD tackles four types of anti-social behaviour,: drugs, loitering, weapons/gangs and racial incidents.

It will make a significant contribution to the education curriculum in local schools, as an important teaching tool aimed at pupils from S1-S4 level. Restorative Justice and organisations who engage with young people will also make use of this unique resource.

Sergeant Gary Neil of community safety at Cambuslang Police Office recognises the value of the DVD. He said: “The DVD highlights multiple issues that people face in everyday life and we are confident that it will prove to be a very useful resource in helping to combat anti-social behaviour which can often blight local communities. Education and awareness are instrumental in tackling this issue and helping young people to understand the consequences of their actions.

“It is hoped that the DVD will, over time, help to reduce the number of incidents occurring in local communities, by challenging young people’s views and encouraging them to stop and think before they act.”

Among the audience was Patricia Rossi, head of education (Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area) at South Lanarkshire Council. She said: “We are delighted at the enthusiasm, hard work and talent of our pupils which culminated in some really thought-provoking films. They make young people stop and think about the consequences of their actions and I am sure will be an invaluable tool in the fight against anti-social behaviour.

“We all know that young people in particular are sometimes given a very negative image in the media but initiatives like this show the talent and dedication so many of them have.”

Also attending the launch was Provost Russell Clearie who awarded pupils with a certificate of achievement to mark their involvement in the project, along with a copy of the DVD.