FILM COMPANY

!! FILM CLUB MEETS EVERY FRIDAY LUNCHTIME  !!  FILM CLUB MEETS EVERY FRIDAY LUNCHTIME  !! 

The Drama students at Llantwit Major School  swept the boards at a MEDIA 4 SCHOOLS award ceremony after forming their own film production company in 2007. Their aim was to make a film that would highlight an issue that was affecting them and their peers as well as the local community.

They wanted to show that young people are "not all bad" and can be very pro- active in the community. Kay Smith, Head of Drama at the school is exceptionally proud of how her students approached the project.

                                                                        

"Meetings were set up with the local PACT group and areas discussed included under age drinking, peer pressure, texting and the internet as a form of communication and anti social behaviour in the local town" said Kay. A lottery bid was put together by Kay and the students and was successful as they secured £5,000 to make the film.

Bottom Line

Over four days, a powerful short film called "Bottom Line" was written, rehearsed and filmed which was a massive achievement as the end result involved a car crash and special effects. At the Media 4 Schools awards, the students were rewarded for all their hard work as the film was runner up for best camera work and won best edit and overall best film out of 150 entries across Wales. Kay Smith was also recognised for all her work with the students as she was given the Champion Teacher award.

"I was very surprised but delighted to win" said Kay "it was particularly touching as the students nominated me but I have to say that we have a very talented and special group of students at Llantwit whose commitment to Drama and the film was phenomenal- really the award is for them!"

Amy Reddaway, then in Yr 13 and now studying Drama at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts wrote and starred in the film and had the hardest job as she had to take on board the ideas of her peers, the adults from the PACT group, her teachers and write a hard-hitting script over night!

The film basically tells the story of a brother and sister and how a simple house party turns into party from hell! Mobile phone messages ensure that all the young people in the town know about the party and included scenes where young people riot through the town on the way. After a row, the brother leaves which means the sister has to go and find him. She has been drinking heavily but decides that she is still able to drive - the end of the film is extremely emotional and the atmosphere is only heightened by a fantastic musical score written by Helen Cheshire and Anna Robson.
                                                                                                                                   

                                                

All the students involved attended the official premiere of the film which was held at the school. Jane Hutt MP, the Chief of Police and a number of local businesses were in attendance. "This film has been a perfect example of young people and adults in the community working together." said Kay. "It is without doubt that "Bottom Line" gets a powerful message across and leaves all who watch it quite overcome by the thought that the tragic conclusion could have been so easily avoided."

Other projects for the film company include a promotional video for Llantilltud Fawr Primary and a transition video for Yr 6 students.

FILM CLUB MEETS EVERY FRIDAY LUNCHTIME

IN THE DRAMA STUDIO