Bytesize
Young filmmakers from across the South West between the ages of 13 and 20 worked with professionals during Summer 2004 to produce 90 second films under the It's a Culture Thing, Bytesize scheme. The scheme celebrates culture and creativity in the South West and is a partnership between Culture South West, (www.culturesouthwest.org.uk) Creative Partnerships, (www.creative-partnerships.com) and South West Screen (www.swscreen.co.uk).
South West Screen has established Moving Image Education Hubs in the seven counties of the South West. Each Hub is network of local practitioners who between them provide opportunities for learning about the moving image, through both making and viewing films (visit the South West Screen website for further information). Each Hub bid for funds which enabled them to broker relationships between filmmakers and young people.
The brief was to make a film about what culture means to you - and there is a wonderful range of interpretations. You can choose to view extreme sports or a modern interpretation of a red riding hood story; hear and see a Somali girl's thoughts about living in the UK; see 'Tony Blair' being convinced that the best way to keep the electorate is to appear on a skate board! Young people have responded to this complex concept with fresh ideas, energy, enthusiasm and some visual flair.
The ideas and views about culture come from the young people and are expressed in their language, which is occasionally strong. Some of the films are by first time filmmakers. In Wiltshire and Bristol young people with a little more experience were encouraged to pitch, form a company and produce their film while being mentored by local production companies.
