Community Film Making involves producing films with, for and about people of all ages and backgrounds on their own terms. Rachel’s work has the specific aim of empowering, enabling and giving a voice to people involved in positive projects in the Birmingham area. This includes work with youth groups, community projects, work in schools, residents’ groups, lobby groups or community-based work in the public sector.

Here are just a few examples of how Community Film has been used to educate, inform, promote and influence:

• Young People in Acocks Green produced a film of their lives over four months as they tried to get to the root of why young people in the area were feeling excluded. The film tracked their progress as they met with people including their local Councillor and Police, and was shown to local residents and statutory organisations.
• A Women’s Group celebrated the opening of their gym by showing a film of young women speaking about the activities they do as part of the group, and why it is important to them. The film was also used as evidence of how funders’ money had been spent.
• Residents of a hostel for the homeless in Walsall produced a film alongside Rachel and drama teacher Jennifer Smith to convey their feelings about homelessness and moving to a hostel with all the uncertainties it brings.

Rachel’s aim is to make film making as simple and accessible as possible, and so seeks to provide an affordable yet comprehensive package including:

• Helping groups source funding
• Drawing up a project plan with participants, encouraging creative input and explaining the film making process throughout
• Bringing in other creative professionals when needed - this includes drama teachers, production of websites and workshop facilitators
• Teaching participants the rudiments of using all equipment
• Filming, sound recording and photography using industry standard equipment
• Editing, DVD authoring and duplication
• Assisting with film screenings, DVD distribution and exposure

For more details or even if you would just like to discuss ‘Community Film Making’ in more detail, please get in touch!