Close encounters of the film kind
Writer Mark Burton met children from Woodberry Down Community Primary School in a lively event organised by after-school scheme, Filmclub
Hollywood came to Hackney last week when writer Mark Burton (Madagascar and Wallace and Gromit – the Curse of the Were-Rabbit), met children from Woodberry Down Community Primary School in a lively event organized by celebrity-backed after-school scheme, Filmclub.
Pupils from six Hackney primary schools attended the event. It was held at the Rio Cinema in Dalston as part of the Filmclub Close Encounters programme, which enables young people to meet members of the film community.
Mark talked to the youngsters all about what his job entails, showed them clips from Madagascar with storyboards and characters, and answered questions.
Founded in 2008 by film director Beeban Kidron (Bridget Jones’ Diary: The Edge Of Reason ) and educationalist Lindsay Mackie, Filmclub offers pupils and teachers the chance to journey through the limitless universe of film, in an intimate and informal gathering through weekly screenings, online reviewing and industry events.
Free to state schools and easy to set up, Filmclub is fast becoming one of the most popular after-school activities in the country.
Since it launched over 2800 schools have joined the initiative – 29 from Hackney – with over 80,000 young people already benefiting from the exposure to inspiring and potentially life changing films every week.
It has proved to be a success in a spectrum of ways, including improving the enjoyment of attending school, developing critical appreciation and highlighting the entertainment value of non-mainstream films.
Recent research into the impact of Filmclub shows it has wide-ranging educational and social benefits, including improving literacy, boosting confidence and integrating isolated and disengaged children.
Filmclub regularly runs free induction and training sessions for teachers at venues throughout the UK. Inductions are already taking place at Filmclub’s head office at 31-32 Islington Green on 8, 14 and 29 January 2010.
To sign up for a free induction or find out more about setting up a free film club at your school visit www.Filmclub.org and click on ‘Want to set up a club’ or call a member of the schools team on 0207 288 4520.
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Filmclub was set up in 2006 by Lindsay Mackie and Beeban Kidron, and a successful pilot took place January-March 2007. Following funding from the DCSF a national roll out began in April 2008 and Filmclub was officially launched in June 2008.
Filmclub is funded in England by the Department of Children Schools and Families (DCSF), in Northern Ireland by the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure and Northern Ireland Screen, in Wales by the Film Agency for Wales and Skillset Screen Academy in Wales and in Scotland by Scottish Screen. Filmclub also receives generous support from Lovefilm, the UK’s largest online DVD rental company, which provides access to their film catalogue; Filmbank, leaders in non-theatrical movie distribution in the UK, and UK Film Council, the Government backed lead agency for film in the UK.
What Filmclub Offers:
• Easy online sign-up, regional induction sessions, one-to-one support, advice & training
• Thousands of DVDs available to order online – with free delivery straight to your school
• Special events, screenings and inspirational visits by film industry talent
• ”Stars & Sparks” scheme to reward and celebrate outstanding clubs & club members
• Licensing that allows you to show films after-school
• Thousands of great films drawn from over 100 years of cinema, including movies of every genre, style, nationality and era
Registration: For further information and to register for free sign up please visit Filmclub or call to speak to a member of the Filmclub schools team on 0207 288 4520.