Capture the North East on celluloid

Budding films makers are being given the chance to take part in a free film course that will see them trained and mentored by top industry professionals at the University of Teesside. And the films will be screened at a special preview evening at the University’s Innovation & Virtual Reality Centre main lecture theatre in September to an audience of industry professionals. The best films may even be screened on television later in the year.

Northern Shorts is a major new initiative for prospective producers, directors, camera people, sound recordists and editors. The students will produce a short, broadcast quality film abut the region, using the latest techniques and technology. Funded by the European Social Film Cultural Sector Development Initiative, Northern Shorts is a free course.

Course leader Professor Richard Else said: “This is a rare opportunity for fledgling filmmakers to work in a creative environment and make a fully professional film. We’re looking for films that celebrate the spirit of this region. They can be about almost anything – from urban skateboarding to a night on the town. The only conditions are that they must be factually based and capture a real flavour of what it’s like to live and work in one of the most exciting parts of Britain.”

The course will be taught over weekends on Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th July, Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July, Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd August and Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th August.

The course, which is limited to 20 places, is being run by the Culture and Creative Industries Unit at the University of Teesside with support from Northern Film and Media and Skills for Media. For more details contact Matt Burrows by emailing: creatives@tees.ac.uk or phone 01642 384220

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