In Session 2 the filmmakers split in to three groups based on what they were interested in exploring. One group worked on interviewing techniques; later putting this into practice in filmed interviews. Another group looked at a Song A1E Camera in depth and the third group produced a soundtrack using the software Garage Band. Rowan decided he wanted to create a special effects sequence using motion graphics and key framing. We were also delighted to welcome Ben, a funder from the Spirit of 2012, to join the session, so he could see all the brilliant work the filmmakers are doing!  

VIEWFINDER is back with a new group of filmmakers! 

In their first session the participants discussed the areas of film making they were most interested in; thinking about the skills that they want to develop and the areas of filmmaking they wish to learn more about. And of course before the session was over they made a short film about a mean audience at a music concert; filming from the perspectives of the musician and the audience. 

Here is a link to an e-book of Stephen's Archive. It is filled with photographs, letters and Stephen's own writing on his experiences with Beacon Hill Arts.  

http://issuu.com/viewfinderbeaconhill/docs/stephen_s_archive_

In Session 8 the filmmakers invited their parents and carers along to show them a little bit of what happens at the View Finder sessions, as well as involving them in  the evaluation process. The group was split into two; half stayed with Taryn to make three part films, the rest went with our external evaluator Chris. The parents and carers got an insight in to the technical skills and film related knowledge that their young people have, and got actively involved in making a short film.  

In Session 7 Kyle Heslop came to give a Master Class on lighting, The filmmakers discussed the importance of lighting in film; how it can create or change a mood. Later in the session the filmmakers filmed a scene about a boss and his ghost worker, primarily thinking about how the lighting (both natural and from the lamps) would affect the scene. 

The filmmakers watched 'The Spirit of 2012' Film to begin Session 6. The group then went through the email correspondence with the people from 'Spirit of 2012', seeing what changes might need to be made. Next the filmmakers read through applications for potential film  projects for the future; there were proposals from all kinds of different people and groups. The filmmakers, after much deliberation, short listed two. In the second half of the session the filmmakers split in to groups to work on different projects; one group edited a zombie film they have been working on, whilst another group scanned in Stephen's archive ready to make an online book.       

The crew shooting the film to celebrate Spirit of 2012 Trust's second birthday filmed the section on Beacon Hill Arts' VIEWFINDER project today! The filmmakers captured the detective entering the building and explored what the VIEWFINDER project is all about; including interviewing Michelle Fox, the Project Manager. 

Week 4 at the Viewfinder project, the participants experiment with stop motion animation; after their master class last week. One group work on a short film that features a car chase and crash, whilst the second group creates a film about a boat at sea. 

In Session 3 the filmmakers had a master class with animator Mark Jobe. He showed the group how to make stop motion animation films. They made a bus formation with the chairs and created a short film where they appeared to be moving around the room. 

In Session 2 we concentrated on editing and also asked the whole group to feed in ideas to a film commission to make a film to celebrate the 2nd birthday of Sprit of 2012 Trust. 

Supported by Spirit of 2012's Arts and Culture Challenge fund, VIEWFINDER is our new talent development programme for filmmakers with learning disabilities, autism and additional needs.

Through fortnightly "surgery" sessions our filmmakers work together to develop their professional skills with the support of professional filmmakers Andrew Coats and Taryn Edmonds and mentors from across the industry.

Our filmmakers then get the opportunity to apply the skills they have developed to a professional filmmaking commission working in partnership with the third sector.

Keep tuned into our blog for updates!