PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY
SUNDAY 14th February 2010.

On Sunday the 14th February I attended the film-making workshop by the "Young Film Academy". This was my first STSD workshop and hopefully it won’t be the last. We had to make a film in one day!!

We began with a script writing session after an introduction by James Walker, one of the founders of the YFA. I anticipated this talk would be dull compared to making our own films but to say "the morning exceeded my expectations" would be an understatement. James’ talk was both interesting and inspiring, spoken with such enthusiasm about his work helping young people gain experience with filming that I even considered raiding the piggy bank for some film equipment myself!

After learning briefly about the history of film and the basics of script writing and filming we set off in our groups to make a short 3-shot film. This was a fun hands-on experience as we needed to convey a story in just 3 camera shots which was not as easy as it sounded. After viewing our finished pieces on the big screen James pointed out some errors, but the majority of the delegates had grasped the basics of film making. Then came lunch: after which we started planning our final 10 shot film. The main obstacle was that we were not allowed to rewind or film over things if we made a mistake! It needed to consist of 10 shots; 3 wide, 3 close- up, 3 medium shots and one panning shot. It also needed 2 obstacles and most importantly a main goal.

So off we went around the hotel and the surrounding streets, madly filming anything and anybody we could to improve our films. We then returned to the room on a strict time frame to watch our finished films. It became The STSD Film Festival and James presented an Oscar to the winning group.

Overall, the day was a huge success exceeding everyone’s expectations and I would definitely recommend it. There might even be a follow on course? I suspect everyone who participated in this PDD would jump at the chance to attend that, later on. I would like to thank everyone who organised the event and especially The Young Film Academy who showed us a preview of their film "Blooded" which I cannot wait to see in the cinema.
Youth Member Charles Warburton, Worthing, Sussex


Lights, camera, action! And what an action filled day it was, for I not only learnt so much, I also got to see my friends from the Chichester Summer Conference! The film industry has always enthralled me, yet I knew very little about the magic that occurs “behind the scenes”. To have the chance to embark on a film workshop day with teachers and students alike was my kind of Valentine’s Day! James Walker was truly an inspirational and motivating facilitator and leader. His anecdotes were both enjoyable and informative, and he explained the world of film in such an accessible way that made me yearn for my television and a good Bond film!

Learning about the importance of storytelling and particularly working with a group and realising a film was probably the crux of the day. Sharing the path of artistic and creative discovery in the context of film making and learning from the creativity around me was brilliant. I do believe that the “Awards Ceremony” at the end certainly spurred each group on and it was fantastic to see everyone’s original ideas on the big screen. So, once again, I am indebted to The Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama who have fortunately bestowed upon us Youth Members a rare experience of new learning and a glimpse of that fantastical world of film that ignites the heart and opens the eyes. Thank you.
Student Member Arzhia Habibi, Worthing, Sussex