Young movie makers shoot full length feature film in Shrewsbury

Filmed during the five weeks of the school summer holiday – and based at the Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology, the 14 - 25 year-olds have received a hands-on film-making experience. Mentored by professionals from both the film industry and education, the students are offered everything from acting to make-up, wardrobe to camera and, post production through to the red-carpet experience.

Henry IV Part 1 – one of four Shakespearian classics, in four UK regions that The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy (BYFA) will shoot this summer – has been made in and around Shrewsbury with locations including: Shrewsbury College, St Mary Magdalene Battlefield Church, Shrewsbury Castle and, Adcote School for Girls.

Adapting William Shakespeare’s history play – which included the epic battle of Shrewsbury, fought on 21 July 1403 and waged between an army led by Henry IV and a rebel army led by Henry ‘Hotspur’ Percy – this screen version creates a UK western where land ownership and power fight it out in the English countryside. Mixing original Shakespearian language with new text, the dialogue has been adapted and translated to be more accessible and, the film has a mid-Atlantic mix, warmly referred to as ‘Western-Midlands’ by the cast and crew.

The film’s Director – 31 year-old Adam Lee Hamilton, previously co-directed The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy movie ‘Julius Caesar’ which enjoyed a special cast and crew red carpet premiere screening in Manchester earlier this year and, has now been accepted into the prestigious Raindance Festival - said: “The filming has gone fantastically well. BYFA gives 14-25 year olds the opportunity to learn the trade and express themselves – take creative risks in a safe environment. It is fantastic to work with the students, they have so much heart and passion and it is rewarding to see them flourish.

“It is a platform for young talent – some don’t even realise that they have got talent and ability but when you show them the possibilities it is amazing to see the change in them. The finished film will showcase the achievements of the young people involved in all aspects of its production.”

Victoria Grocutt, 20, who is studying a HND in Theatre at Shrewsbury College, played the role of ‘Kate’, and said: “It’s been amazing; tough at times and a great challenge, but I’m really glad I got involved. I’m topping up my HND at Sheffield Hallum University and then I’m going to apply for drama school after that.”

Laura Halford, 17, a level 1 performing arts student at Shrewsbury College, continued: “There’s great community spirit everywhere and it’s been an incredible experience.”
While, Simon Williamson, 18, also a level 1 performing arts student at Shrewsbury College, added: “I’m in a BYFA bubble and I don’t think of anything else outside of it because I’m having such good fun. It gives you confidence and it’s a great experience.”

Since 2009, BYFA has worked with more than 10,000 students. And, The Co-operative Group has recently announced its continued support for the Academy as part of its commitment to inspiring young people. The Co-operative’s £1.2m, 6 year partnership, now extends until at least 2015.

Michael Fairclough, The Co-operative Group’s Head of Community and Campaigns, said: “When opportunities, passion and enthusiasm collide it can truly be life changing and, this is exactly the kind of exciting environment that BYFA creates. The Co-operative’s partnership with BYFA is playing a key role in helping us to bring about a cultural shift in the way young people are viewed and treated in this country - a key objective of our commitment to Inspiring Young People.”

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 and to be hosting BYFA this summer. It’s remarkable how much the students grow in confidence and technique through their engagement with this intensive summer project. Students benefit from working with others from across the region, we have had students from performing arts, music technology, media, art and beauty all involved in the project and it has been very interesting to see the feature film emerge from the many separate scenes - Shrewsbury College is proud to be a member of BYFA”.

Kevin Atkinson, Executive Producer and Senior Manager at BYFA, concluded: “Shrewsbury College has welcomed and supported us brilliantly this year. We’ve had amazing locations in the Shropshire area and the students from Shrewsbury College and the surrounding areas have really stepped up to the challenge to make what is going to be an incredible film, which will be seen in cinemas next year.”

BYFA is itself a co-operative, its membership consists of 18 Further and Higher Education institutions including Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology. For more information about The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy visit www.britishyouthfilmacademy.com.