That’s a wrap for school film workshop

Dec 12 2008 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

THE clapperboard will shut on a school film workshop this weekend.

The Two Day Film Challenge returns for one final time at Upton Heath Primary School, Chester.

Last year saw the first Two Day Film Challenge with 22 primary-school age children writing, directing, acting and filming their own short movies.

Since then, several of the short films have won accolades and been selected for young film makers’ competitions.

In July 2008 the Two Day Film Challenge – The Sequel proved to be a greater success with 55 young people creating a 20 minute mock-documentary over the action packed weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday (December 13-14), the last instalment, Two Day Film Challenge – The Final Chapter, will be taking place, again at Upton Heath Primary School.

The weekend is a co-production between Upton Heath Primary School and Cutting Edge Arts Ltd.

Organiser and director of Cutting Edge Arts, Rick Smith, said: “The film making weekends are always very popular, hard work and enormous fun.

“I have been so impressed with the young people involved and I can certainly see some young Spielbergs of the future.

“This third weekend will be the biggest challenge yet. Clues, pictures and objects will be given to each group at the start of the workshop and the young people will have to devise a short film based on the contents of the ‘secret envelope’.

“As always, the clock is ticking as the finished films need to be ready for the grand premiere before a large audience on the Sunday afternoon.”

All those taking part will receive a free DVD of the finished film.

Places are available to primary aged pupils (Years 2-6) in the Chester area. To reserve a place, or to find out more details about times and prices, e-mail rick@cuttingedgearts.co.uk.