Young screenwriters' films get red carpet premiere

Aspiring young screenwriters across the West Midlands took part in a project aimed at giving students a "hands-on" experience in film production.

Sixty students from Wolverhampton, Walsall and Solihull created short films that were showcased at a red carpet premiere event at Millennium Point on Tuesday.

The students took part in a screenwriting masterclass before taking on production, filming and acting roles to produce an emotive film, a psychological thriller and a sci-fi drama.

Jodie Boughey, a City of Wolverhampton College student, said she was "thrilled" with her first assistant director role after being selected from her media course.

The project also included students from Walsall Studio School and Solihull College and University Centre.

"The creative sector is so important to the region because it's something everyone can get involved in – you don't need to be a genius," said Ms Boughey.

"In the future, I'd love to work in the industry, whether it's in live television, as a director or assistant director or a producer - as long as I get to be bossy."

The project was set up BBC Studios Drama Productions and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Careers Hub.

BBC Studios Drama Productions produce shows such as EastEnders, Silent Witness, Father Brown, Shakespeare & Hathaway, Casualty and Pobol y Cwm.

Greg Spruce, curriculum manager at the college, added: "We were delighted to give students the opportunity to work on real productions alongside experienced industry professionals."

The project is a part of modern work experience, a pilot scheme being rolled out by The Careers & Enterprise Company, the national body for careers education.

Sophia Kendall, student at Walsall Studio School, said the project provided her with real experience to put on her CV.

"Getting involved has made me think about my career in a different way - I was thinking of being a director but this project helped me learn about other job roles in the creative side of film production", she said.

Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker, visited Millennium Point to watch the films and congratulate students.

He spoke of the importance of young people taking part in "practical and useful work experience".

"The work of these aspiring young screenwriters is truly inspirational," Parker said.

"This course's innovative approach to work experience gives young people a real-world taste of what it is like to work in the creative sector.

"This is how we can equip them with the skills and insight they need to secure meaningful work and enjoy fulfilling careers."

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