Beginning in the summer of 2011, we will be launching a series of Youth Filmmaking Labs throughout the UK. These two-week long courses will each see a small group of selected children (ages 8-12) or teenagers (ages 13-18) make short fiction films or documentaries of their own on small HD cameras provided by The Magic Reel. The films will be conceived, written, shot, and edited by the children; and then screened on a big screen either at a local cinema or on our Traveling Cinema, with the full proceeds of the screening (every ticket £2, as well as concessions) going to a charity of the children’s choosing. The Labs are designed to help children document and participate in the world around them, learn about different perspectives, and learn teamwork and other skills in a creative environment where their originality and personality is encouraged rather than stifled.

Throughout the process, the children will be guided by one or two renowned UK filmmakers, and by teaching assistants and Magic Reel volunteers.

Application deadlines and a list of instructors will be announced soon, but in the meantime please send any enquiries to Paul Fischer at paul@magic-reel.org.uk.