The Strand Film Maker’s Club, sponsored by Hughes Insurance, celebrated the success of its first year by hosting a gala premier to showcase the work of its budding young film makers, in Ireland’s oldest picture house, The Strand. 24 students from around Belfast were given the opportunity to take part in the course, led by industry professionals, completely free of charge, to give them a taste of what it’s like to work in the film industry – which is an increasingly viable career option in Northern Ireland.
The Strand Film Maker’s Club was split into two one-week summer courses for secondary school students designed to give an insight into the film industry. The initiative was co-funded by Arts and Business and also Hughes Insurance in partnership with the Strand Arts Centre and Giga Training. The students worked with industry professionals Giga Training to research, shoot, star, produce, direct and edit their own short films – giving them tangible evidence of their talent.
Managing Director of the Strand Arts Centre Mimi Turtle comments: “We had a great response to the course, double the number of applicants than places – really inspiring. Our aim was to give the students a rare insight into the actual process of film making with an end product they can show to future employers. Investment and development in the film industry right here in Northern Ireland has great potential for our young people to find jobs.”
