LIVERPOOL - 20 July 2006 - 690 words
Merseyside
school students make docu-drama film
Students from Wayne Rooney's old school in Liverpool, have been
involved in the making of a documentary drama called Daydream
Daredevil.
Ten boys aged 14-15, from De La Salle Catholic Boys School in Croxteth worked with Liverpool film company UFO Productions, to create the educational film, (funded by Greater Merseyside Connexions) which highlights the importance of working hard at school to gain the right qualifications and achieve success.
The film's central character Ged is a gifted joiner, but he misses out on opportunities at school because he ploughs all his time and energy into his hobby 'Le Parkour' or Free Running. He regularly falls asleep in class and does not pay attention, causing concern to his form tutor.
But after an accident while Free Running, his teachers persuade him to embark on a training scheme through Connexions. This leads to an apprenticeship with a local building company and Ged gets his life back on track.
The project was part of UFO Productions' Education Thru' Media programme which aims to increase the motivation of young people, improve their self confidence and teach them new skills in the use of cameras and sound equipment, script writing, role play and working as part of a team.
"These Year 10 boys already follow
the school's Alternative Curriculum programme, which is based
around vocational training," said Sheelagh
Trotter, Work Related Co-Ordinator at De La Salle. "They
were chosen for the film project to encourage them to believe
that they can achieve anything if they focus, work hard and put
their mind to trying out new skills.
"And it certainly worked. In 30 years of teaching I've never come across anything which has had as much impact on the boys, as this project. Their attendance at school has improved and there's been a noticeable change in the relationships in the group encouraging each other and working together."
Veteran TV and film director Illy, co-owner of UFO Productions, said the boys were taught every aspect of film-making; from brainstorming ideas, creating characters, plots and storyboards, to writing a script and choosing locations as well as the use of equipment such as cameras, sound, lighting and editing tools.
"We brought in a number of top professionals to help the boys, including Eunice Huthart former TV Gladiator and now Hollywood stuntwoman who's a stand-in for the likes of Angelina Jolie. She helped them to understand that when we see people Free Running off buildings in films, it's often all an illusion using clever stuntwork and editing."
Former Brookside actress Suzanne Collins played the role of the boys' form tutor and actor Ricky Tomlinson was invited as a motivational speaker.
The subject matter for Daydream Daredevil was suggested by 15-year-old Gerard Dagnall, a Le Parkour enthusiast who did his own stunts in the film. The role of Ged was played at the eleventh hour by Steven Baker who had just a few days to learn his lines after the lead actor dropped out through sickness.
Another of the boys, Dean Jones, has changed his career hopes as a result of the project.
"I was doing Construction two days a week at college but I'm really into acting now and have switched to Performing Arts. I'd love to be a professional actor one day."
Neil McCaskill, a personal adviser and project worker for Greater Merseyside Connexions said: "It's amazing how this whole experience has changed these boys. At the start they were very quiet and lacking in confidence. But they have really come out of themselves."
"The boys were so keen and enthusiastic about this film, they often missed lunch breaks and didn't want to leave at the end of the day. Some of them proved to be naturals at it too."
"My philosophy when I teach young people, is if you want something go for it and don't take no for an answer, don't fail on other people's terms because they said you couldn't do it. Learn from your mistakes and keep looking for what works. Don't let society write you off."
If you would like to find out more about
Connexions visit www.connexions-gmerseyside.co.uk
© Independent Catholic
News 2006
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