On Tuesday 6 December 2022, Film Access Scotland’s members and associates met at Creative Stirling for the first in our Film Access Workshop Series. The workshop aimed to provide a space for practitioners to hear case studies of successful projects, network with their peers, and discuss best practice for designing and delivering engaging Film Access projects for a range of audiences.
Participants listened to three case studies presented by Alchemy Film & Arts, Media Education and Braw Talent [link to these organisations’ websites]. Each shared their experiences with a project, focusing on the strengths and challenges of structure, engagement and outcome.
Tom Swift from Alchemy Film & Arts presented project with Branching Out Youth Group, which involved selecting experimental and documentary films culminating in the creation of an installation at Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival 2022. Branching Out is a Scottish Borders service for independent young people aged 14 – 21 with additional support needs. The case study explored the intricacies of creative partnerships in project work and navigating strict deadlines.
We then heard from Anna Raczynski from Media Education, who introduced their case study about the The Pitkerro Road Productions video series, which took place in Linlathen, Dundee. Local residents, empowerment officers and community volunteers were invited to participate in a training process with Media Education to create their own films on topics important to them that would be shown to the local council. From this example, workshop attendees learnt about the importance of encouraging empowerment and co-ownership throughout the participatory filmmaking process.
The final case study was presented by Darren Osborne from Braw Talent, who shared their work with care-experienced young people at the Local House Project in East Dunbartonshire. The project was centred around storytelling and communicating the young people’s experiences. They revealed how they maintained a playful and fun approach to the project, particularly when trying to engage first-time or uninterested participants.
After these case studies, the workshop participants shared their own approaches to Course Design & Delivery in discussion groups. The discussions were guided by questions to consider, covering the topics of safeguarding, planning, how to adapt and change, and meeting expectations from funders. It was great to see so many people generously share their knowledge and expertise with others and problem-solve together in this collaborative space.
We ended the day with a networking event, where participants could catch up with other members and associates over a drink and a chat.
Film Access Workshops are a series of events aimed at Film Access Scotland members and associates. If you are interested in joining Film Access Scotland, please visit: www.filmaccess.scot/join-us.
To find out more about upcoming workshops, training and networking opportunities, please visit: https://filmaccess.scot/programme/