Lenheads I and II: North Lanarkshire Film School
The LensHeads Film School is a digital filmmaking course, which offers young people the chance to gain the skills needed to join Scotland's next wave of filmmakers. Working from the ground up, this course teaches the basics of digital film making through a fun and challenging combination of hands-on training, in-class discussion, group workshop activities and projects with, an emphasis on teamwork and learning by doing.
The first of its kind in North Lanarkshire, LensHeads Film School is an innovative project open to all young people aged 14 to 18 living in North Lanarkshire. It marked the start of an ongoing programme of skills development in the digital arts. The course itself was free to successful applicants, and we also covered travel expenses for those students not in the immediate vicinity of Bellshill.
Pupils are briefed on the outdoor shoot
The first course ran for eight weeks through February and May 2004, culminating with a public screening on April 1st. Hands-on training and active, on-your-feet learning allowed for a fast-pace and plenty of team building, as well as on-task problem solving. Emphasis was put on creating a fun, creative and safe atmosphere where questions and ideas of all sorts could be broached. A key-learning feature during the early phase was the chance for participants to view their work at the end of each class and discuss pros and cons in a friendly atmosphere. Considering that most of the participants had never used video equipment before, and others only nominally, LensHeads gave them the knowledge to approach filmmaking with confidence and to put their creative ideas into action.
Pupils hard at work filming at Lensheads
Over the duration of each course participants are introduced to the theory and principles behind filmmaking and also the various roles involved in a production. Beginning with the basics participant's work through simple exercises and small projects, eventually producing a short digital film based on the group's own ideas. The whole process of film making is covered in depth: from devising a story, writing the script, choosing the locations, casting the actors, to filming, lighting, editing, and even screening.
Feedback from the participants was unanimously positive. They enjoyed themselves across the board, and several of them noted an increase in self-confidence and were happy at having made so many new friends. The group bonded well and by the course's end was functioning as an efficient team.
Lensheads is now in it's third year and the course continues to grow with 30 pupils from schools across North Lanarkshire taking part in this unique experience.
By the end of all the courses participants have developed a solid understanding of camera and sound equipment, as well as general film theory and production methods, with each individual completing a handful of short shoots and, as a group, 3 short films. According to feedback from the participants, it is an extremely positive experience, and from our own standpoint it is a unique accomplishment that we aim to continue in the future.
Special thanks goes to North Lanarkshire Council and First Light Ltd for their financial help in making LensHeads possible.
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