The latest promising screen talent to be uncovered by
Scottish Screen has all the key qualities needed to succeed
in the film business. They are keen, dedicated, determined
and well mentored. And after the summer break they’ll
move on from Primary 7.
The young stars of the screen are the first children in
Scotland to benefit from First Light, an opportunity that
gives young people their first taste of the film business
by helping them take that important first step into movie
making.
The children of Primary 7 in Longniddry have taken to
the idea like true professionals, with their first production
School Sweet School. They have divided the workload
between themselves as directors, actors, sound recordists
and camera operators and under the watchful eye of slightly
older film professionals brought in by Scottish Screen,
the cameras are rolling on this first Longniddry production.
Head teacher Helen Gillansless says it gives them a taste
of the real thing, raises awareness and teaches new skills
all at the same time. "They take on the mantle of
filmmakers and find out all about it by doing it for themselves.
It is a hands-on experience that teaches them all about
filmmaking and everything that is involved. And they love
it."
And if starring in their own film wasn’t good enough,
they have already starred in someone else’s. The
BBC came along to film them for the national news programme
Reporting Scotland. The pupils of Primary 7 were
not in the least bit perturbed at the thought of being
watched right across Scotland. They are already so familiar
with cameras, slates, booms and baby legs that a couple
more bothered them not in the slightest.
Their film premieres at the Edinburgh Filmhouse later
this month.
Cannes, watch out, Longniddry’s about!
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