4/2/10

PGF trainees use litter to stand out from the crowd

A team of nine creative film trainees have called on the problem of littering to make a quirky and humorous short film.

The trainees have been chosen by Skillset Screen Academy Wales to take part in the prestigious Post-Graduation Facility, a four-month programme of personal development designed to give budding film and animation graduates valuable industry work experience and mentoring.

As part of an intensive induction programme, the nine graduates have produced a short film in collaboration with Welsh producer and director, John Shackleton. ‘One of the Crowd’ promotes awareness of the littering problem in Britain in a funny, unconventional way.



The film has been entirely shot in HD with the cooperation of a professional crew and cast, which includes Welsh comic actor, Johnny Owen, who recently starred in Welsh hit comedy ‘A Bit of Tom Jones’. 

One of the Crowd will be unveiled to a panel of industry experts at the Atrium, University of Glamorgan this Friday [5 February 2010]. Speaking on behalf of the nine PGF trainees, Valerie Brown, MA Film graduate from University of Wales, Newport, considers the process of making the collaborative film to be crucial in the trainee learning process.

She says: “The process has taught me the importance of team-work to be able to produce high quality work with a low budget and under tight deadlines.”

The trainees have invited representatives from Keep Wales Tidy to the film launch, hoping that the strong anti-littering message will appeal to the organisation.

Valerie explains: “From the very outset it was clear that the film could be used to promote awareness of issues associated with littering.  In the film we’ve dealt with this issue in a funny and unconventional way, in order to appeal to young adults who according to research are the worst offenders.

“The film touches on a variety of issues associated with littering such as fast food littering, which we know from looking at Keep Wales Tidy campaigns is a big issue that needs to be tackled.

“The main message the film is promoting is a change in people's attitudes which perfectly links to Keep Wales Tidy goals concerning the littering problem in Wales.

“We chose Jonny Owen as the main character as we felt he would appeal to a wide audience and for the publicity he is gaining at the moment through promotion of A Bit of Tom Jones. 

“Using Jonny Owen and all Welsh actors in recognisable Welsh locations gives the film a local feel and may impact and interest more Welsh people which is why we have approached Keep Wales Tidy.”

One of a Crowd will be available to view on You Tube.

For further details on the film contact Valerie Brown: vk_brown@yahoo.com