Shrewsbury named as location for new movie
A professional youth film company has announced that its latest full-length feature film is to be shot in and around Shrewsbury.
The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy is this year embarking on an ‘epic’ challenge to simultaneously make four full-length professional standard feature films, in four UK regions, during this year’s school summer holidays
The Academy – which includes Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology among its member institutions – has confirmed that Henry IV part 1, one of the tetralogy of Shakespearean classics it will film this summer – will be shot in various locations around the town involving up to 500 young people from across the region.
Henry IV, Part 1 depicts a span of history that begins in late 1402 and ends with the defeat of the rebels at Shrewsbury in the middle of 1403 - The battle of Shrewsbury was fought on 21 July 1403 – the BYFA summer camp and filming commences in Shrewsbury over 600 years later, almost to the day!
It will be directed by Adam Lee Hamilton who co-directed the The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy (BYFA) film ‘Julius Caesar’ - which held a special cast and crew premiere in Manchester earlier this year involving students from Shrewsbury College (pictured with former Heartbeat actor Jack Marsden (third from left) and Kevin Atkinson – Senior Manager at BYFA – far right).
The Co-operative Group’s £1.2million, six year, commitment, to BYFA is an integral part of its commitment to Inspiring Young People.
Michael Fairclough, Head of Community and Campaigns at The Co-operative Group, said: “When opportunities, passion and enthusiasm collide it can truly be life changing and, this is the kind of exciting environment that BYFA creates. By bridging the gap between education and practical experience, BYFA opens up new ways for the next generation to seize opportunities and change their world.”
Dee Young, Head of School for Art, Media, ICT & Sport at Shrewsbury College, added: “We are delighted to have this fantastic opportunity in our region. It’s remarkable how much the students grow in confidence and technique through their engagement with this intensive summer project - we are proud to be a member of BYFA”.
The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy offers 14 - 25 year-olds a unique educational opportunity. A professional, hands-on film-making experience enabling young people - with an eye on a career in film - to make informed decisions about future education or career choices.
Students are mentored by professionals from both the film industry and education and, are offered everything from acting to make-up, wardrobe to camera and, from post production through to the red-carpet experience.
Kevin Atkinson, Senior Manager at BYFA, added: “I have worked in the professional performance industry and the education sector for nearly two decades and have never stop being amazed at the brilliance young people have and bring to work – this is an incredible and very exciting opportunity to discover and acknowledge the talents of so many of the area’s young people.”
For more information about The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy visit www.britishyouthfilmacademy.com.
