Goole Silent Movie

The new super 8 challenge is here....Goole Straight 8!

2011-01-28T20:38:00.000Z

If you are reading this and wishing you could make a film just like this - with the same people - it's your lucky day! After 3 years of searching for the right challenge and the finance to make it happen - Goole Straight 8 is finally here! It is crewing up NOW and we are on the lookout again for the filmmakers of tomorrow! If you are aged 13-18 and would like to make a film, visit the Goole Straight 8 blog to find out more.

View Goole Silent Movie on Yorkshire Film Archeive!

2010-07-30T10:48:00.000Z

It's great to see the "The Lost Princess" and Doctor A.D Holmes up for prosperity at the new Yorkshire Film Achieve.

One of the first things I did on the project was to get in touch with Yorkshire Film Archive and track down some local film history from the period. They found a 1920s Pathé newsreel that inspired one of the styles of film that they decided to make. The idea for this story of Dr A. D. Holmes came about from reading old newspaper clippings on display at one of Goole’s Museums.

Whilst Dr A.D Holmes is based on a real person from Goole, Dr Home, "The Lost Princess" is a fictional story that nevertheless has its roots in Goole’s heritage as an international port – one where many refugees have arrived. The film is based on the life of a real person, Anastasia Nicholaevna Romanov, the youngest daughter of the Tsar Nicholas II and Russian Royal Romanov family.

Fascinating backgrounds on both films can be found on the their websites accompanying the films and of course, on this blog.

"The Lost Princess" screens at co-op young filmmakers

2008-11-08T12:30:00.004Z

It was brilliant to meet up with so many of the film-makers and see their films on the big screen at the Cooperative Young Filmmakers Festival at the National Media Museum on Fri 10th Oct.

"The lost Princess" screened in the wonderful Pictureville cinema one of the few non-competitive young people's film-making festivals in the world, it is a celebration of film that allows young people to see their work on the big screen and explore their creativity through event workshops.

What a buzz!

Goole Silent Movie sails to Switzerland

2008-08-12T17:44:00.007Z

"Dr A D Holmes" and "The Lost Princess" screened in Switzerland at the Super8 Special 2008 on Saturday! Rain put pay to plans to screen the films outside, but neues kino was nearly full with a crowd of about 60 people watching the program. Also quite a lot of filmmakers were there in person.

John Andrews back in Cinema

2008-07-27T10:14:00.003Z

What do Zombie Movies and Bollywood have in common? Check out John Andrews latest film performance, who played the Inspector in The Lost Princess, and find out! Peter M Kershaw was so impressed with his acting talent, that he invited him to star in his latest short film, Cinema.

David Kendea, who played the Sea Captian, also stars. Cinema of Horror can currently be seen on the internet at Virgin Shorts.

Goole Silent Movie screens at Culture Shock

2008-07-11T10:19:00.005Z

It was great to see Becky, Jonny and other cast and crew members supporting Goole Silent Movie at the Culture Shock Festival in Northallerton. "Dr AD Holmes" and "The Lost Princess" played throughout the day last Saturday in Northallerton in Yorkshires biggest youth festival. I say others, because they were all wearing lots of face paint, from the circus tent, I presume, so hard to recognise! I was working at the festival in my flipbook animation tent. What a great day!

The Lost Princess screens in Cambridge!

2008-04-04T21:09:00.003Z

Congratulations to everyone on Goole Silent Movie!

"The Lost Princess", written by Rebecca Stothert & Emma Gill and directed by Rebecca Stothert will be screened in Competition at the Cambridge Super8 Film Festival.

The Cambridge International Super8 Film Festival shows the best films originated on the Super 8 format.

The Lost Princess was shot on black & white Super 8 film, sponsored by Kodak and produced using optical process emulating the techniques of the silent period to produce a truly authentic historical film.

The Super 8mm film format has undergone a creative renaissance in the last five years due to the digital revolution and the re-discovery of small film by users the world over. In 2007, the first Cambridge Super 8 Festival was a hugely successful event with more than 70 films in 3 competitive programs and 2 non-competitive programs. All genres of film were represented (animation, fiction, documentary and experimental film), illustrating the diversity of the format and our film selection.

"The Lost Princess" is playing on Thursday 24th of April at 8pm in The Centre @ St Pauls Hill road Cambridge.

Premiere at the National Media Museum!

2007-10-13T10:07:00.000Z

I'm a bit biased, but this is a great film!
Nicola Dixon, Project Manager

Your Dreams are worth living for! Peruse them!!!

Paul Arrowsmith, writer

You all made writing the music very easy - the film was brilliantly acted and put together. Well done and all the best for the future!

Dave Bainbridge, composer

Great fun great film! Thanks you.

Dave Robertson, actor (Ships captain)

As Chaplin said: “ ! “

Paul Vates, Genre advisor

It has been an absolute pleasure working with this group of people and I hope they will all feel proud of themselves as we do of them. xxx

Madeleine Frost, Performance director

This is only the beginning! Never stop discovering! Never stop dreaming! Never stop Believing! Gook luck!

David Bunting, Producer/Animator

Only you have the power to make your dream a reality. The future is yours to own. To a great team one and all. All the best and until the next time. Good luck & good furtune.
Peter M Kershaw, Producer/Director

Goole VIP screenings

2007-10-07T08:31:00.000Z

Pictures from the amazing opening screenings in Goole. Click on any of them to display full size and download. Demand was so high, we packed out 3 screenings back to back in the Gate Theatre! The red carpet was out. The cast, dressed up as stars they are, even arrived by limousine . An truly amazing and unforgettable time was had by all.

The premiere takes place at the National Media Museum in Bradford this Wed. I can’t wait!

How it all started

2007-10-01T13:40:00.000Z

With the premiere just a few days away, Project Manager Nicola Dixon talked to me about how the idea for the project took shape. It was recorded during a very blustery day in composer Dave Bainbridge's garden!

Goole Advance Screening - this Saturday!

2007-10-01T10:14:00.001Z

Goole's advance screening and premiere is this Saturday. Already tickets have just about sold out for the 6pm screening, with a few left for the 7pm screening. To book your ticket, contact the Box Office on 01405 763652.

The Premiere and VIP screening of the film is being held at the National Media Museum on Wednesday 10 October 7.30pm. For more information on this screening please contact Nicola Dixon on 01405 763652.

The young people have asked for a smart dress code for all screenings - so get your gladrags on!

More screenings around East Yorkshire to be announced soon.

music making

2007-09-10T11:25:00.000Z

Clarinet player Claire McKenzie took time out of The Royal Scottish Music Academy to join Violinist Alex McKee and Viola player Jonathan Penny from The East Riding Youth Orchestra at Open Sky Studios. The Studios are home to Dave Bainbridge composer & musician. Dave is known to many for his recordings with bands such as IONA and on soundtracks such as for the award winning short film Wilfred. Having worked on 'talkies' for the BBC and ITV, The Lost Princess presented a fresh challenge to Dave, having to create a score as narrative for silent film. Dave's Studio equipped with the very latest in soundtrack software made an ideal location for the GSM young musicians to add their creative contribution to the film's drama.

"Lost Princess" writer/director Becky Stothart came along to see how a soundtrack is writen and recorded. See for yourself in the lastest behind the scenes video.

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Cutting the movie

2007-08-17T17:37:00.000Z

Well, the films are back from the labs at no.w.here, travelled to Film Lab North and transfered to digital tape.

Check out this behind the scenes video at MyBear Producutions, about the jorney from camera to editing bench. We found Shaun when we were interviewing for our film aprentices. Shaun now has his own studio, and is our editor for Goole Silent Movie. He'll be at the Gate Theatre on Tuesday (9.30 - 12) to present the rushes, assemly edit, and talking about about editing.

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Editing date

2007-08-10T14:44:00.001Z

Biting your fingernails wondering how the film looks?

The editing and viewing of the rushes will be held on

Tuesday 21 August 9.30am - 12.00pm
at the Gate Theatre

The premiere will be held in October - details on that soon!

Behind the scenes: Animation

2007-08-07T18:00:00.000Z

A big thank you to all our animators who worked tirelessly to finish animation on "The Lost Princess." After a big push, the drawn animation is complete and the cells have been painted! Debbie and myself are finishing off the last few remaining title cards and I now have a big stack of artwork to film at the close of the week. Check out this behind the scenes video where I somehow got roped into tracing lots of drawings on the last Saturday of animation!

Aboive: Sam animating the final sequence in the Lost Princess.

Animating Lost Princess

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Musicians Required

2007-08-06T08:50:00.000Z

We are looking for young musicians (aged 13 - 20) from the East Riding area to be involved in creating the soundtrack for our silent film.

This will involve working alongside an experienced composer developing ideas and recording them. As our film is a silent film, there is a great emphasis on creating a fantastic soundtrack.

At this stage we are asking for submissions of interest, with details of instruments you play and levels. We will need this information by 10 August (if you find out about this project after this date – still get in touch we may still have space!) We need to know your name, age, address and instruments you play and to what level. You can email this information to goolesilentmovie@hotmail.co.uk or post it to Goole Silent Movie Project, c/o Nicola Dixon, Goole Town Council, 17 - 23 Gladstone Terrace, Goole DN14 5AQ.

Recording will take place during the summer holiday break

Look forward to hearing from you

Last push for animation

2007-08-03T14:55:00.000Z

All hands on deck!!

We need lots of help on Sunday to finish off animation for The Lost Princess.

The session is this Sunday 5 August 10am - 5pm at The Gate Theatre, Dunhill Road, Goole.

All welcome!

It's a wrap!

2007-07-27T21:44:00.000Z

After an exhausting and wonderful week, we shot the last live action scene today at Sewerby Hall for "The Lost Princess", with only animation left to film. Ceck out the 2 behind the scenes videos from the shoot.

Celebrations were only dampened by the sadness of our group preparing to go their separate ways, at least temporarily, after working so closely together over the last five months. As we prepare to enter post production, there is a real feeling of one chapter closing.

A big thank you to the team at Sewerby Hall and all the locations we filmed at this week. Sewerby Hall enjoyed the shoot so much, they are going to be screening the film during half term! Goole Waterways waterways museum will also be screening the film.

We are also delighted to welcome BBC Blast on board this week, who will be be helping to bring the work of our filmmakers to a wider audience!

Behind the scenes at Sewerby Hall

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Below: Producer/Director, Peter Kershaw (Judge) and myself in our cameo roles.

The rolls of Super 8 film, sponsored by Kodak, are now whisking their way to the labs at No.w.here where James is hand processing the films in true silent film style.

They started developing the AD Holmes reels today after Peter Kerhsaw hand delivered them. Where is nowhere? Click here to find out!

Behind the scenes at Goole Court House

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pics from AD Holmes shoot

2007-07-21T20:09:00.000Z

CALL TIMES – WHAT TIME YOU NEED TO BE AT THE GATE

2007-07-21T19:25:00.000Z

BRING PACKED LUNCH/WATERPROOFS!

MONDAY 23RD JULY
REHEARSALS 10-5PM
ALL CAST AND CREW

TUESDAY 24TH JULY
SCENES: 6, 15, 8, 10, 3
LOCATIONS: SHIP (ANASTASIA’S) CABIN
ANASTASIAS CABIN
CREW CALL: 09.30
CAST INVOLVED: ANASTASIA
BUTLER
CLEANERS X2
INSPECTOR
CAST CALL: 09.45

WEDNESDAY 25TH JULY
SCENES: 17, 9, 5, 7
LOCATIONS: GRAVEYARD
DOCKS
CREW CALL: 09.30
CAST INVOLVED: ANASTASIA
INSPECTOR
EXTRAS (INCL. PALL BEARERS)
CLEANERS X2
POLICEMAN X2
DOCK EXTRAS
CAST CALL: 09.45

THURSDAY 26TH JULY
SCENES: 14, 16, 11
LOCATIONS: COURTROOM
POLICE STATION
CREW CALL: 09.30
CAST INVOLVED: BUTLER
JUDGE
MAGISTRATES X3
INSPECTOR
COURTROOM EXTRAS
SHIP CREW X4
SHIP CAPTAIN

FRIDAY 27TH JULY
SCENES: 1, 2, 12, 13
LOCATIONS: ANASTASIAS HOUSE
ANASTASIAS GARDENS
BUTLERS HOTEL ROOM
INSPECTORS HOUSE
CREW CALL: 8.30
CAST INVOLVED: ANASTASIA
ANASTASIA’S LOVER
BUTLER
POLICEMAN X2
INSPECTOR
HOTEL MANAGER
CAST CALL: 8.30

Below: Producer/Director Peter smiles to the camera on the AD Holmes shoot. Behind him, Animator David asks Johnny on camera, 'who is this person wandering about on my set?'

WELL DONE!

2007-07-16T15:54:00.000Z

This weekend has been FANTASTIC! A HUGE well done to everybody involved - especially on Sunday when the rain decided to go on and on and on....! Everyone worked so hard and were very professional. It was great to see everyone working as a team bringing together everything that we've experienced and learnt over the past few months. Here are a few comments and pictures from the AD Holmes shoot....

Hannah, Scriptwriter, Goole
“It’s completely unreal! It’s so cool! Goole Silent Movie Project is something I’ll always, always remember. I never, for a second thought my film would have been chosen! It’s fantastic having my own film made at 14 years old and this weekend it’s really come alive. Just seeing the fabulous costume, make-up and special effects has just made my story come to life. The directors Beth and Martin have been really good at letting me have my input into shaping the film. They have done an excellent job in tuning my story and the visions I had into a reality. I can’t wait to see the final film now!”

Martin, Director, Goole
“I think it’s gone really well this weekend. I’m surprised that when filming scenes it takes much longer than you think. It also makes you understand the whole film making process. Myself and Beth also didn’t realise how much lighting can effect a shot – it is so important to get the right lighting and to watch the shadows. This project has really opened my eyes to silent movies, and the way they are filmed. That you can talk whilst filming and you do need quiet on-set so that the actors can concentrate.”

Emma, Props, Goole
“I think this weekend has been really good fun! I’ve been in charge of all the props and it has been so interesting to see how much goes on in one scene. You have to think about the scene before and the scene after for continuity. It was a little easier filming outside with a few props but inside we had to dress sets so had more to think about. I would definitely love to take on this role again.”

Sarah, Extra, Howden
“This weekend has been such an exciting experience. It’s amazing to see the process of film making. I was really impressed at the level of professionalism and amazed at the ideas the group had come up with. The costume and make-up were fantastic and made the characters come to life.”

Let's hope 'The Lost Princess' shoot goes just as smoothly as 'Dr AD Holmes' did this weekend!

Well Done!

AD Holmes - it's a wrap!

2007-07-16T13:41:00.000Z

Well after a long and productive shooting weekend we have finished AD Holmes. Peter Kershaw is hand delivering the film to no.where in London to ensure their safety. The costumes and make up were great, the performers and crew even better. Well done and thank you to everyone involved. Shoot photos available soon.

Now is time to gear up towards 'The Lost Princess' shoot week commencing 23 July - more info on call times tomorrow.

Camera's roll this weekend! Extras needed!

2007-07-11T12:22:00.000Z

After all the scriptwriting, auditions, rehearsals and workshops, the camera's are ready to roll for “Dr A.D. Holmes”! Last Sunday Madeleine was busy rehearsing the actors in the Gate Theatre. AD Holmes director, Beth was being pulled between rehearsals and our production nerve centre were production co-ordinators Duncan and Jo were working with our young production assistants on call sheets, risk assessments and other pre-production work and working with our film crew on the ins and outs of our incredibly cool and retro Super8 film cameras.

I was busy working with our art department who have been producing an army of cockroaches and huge placards for the street demonstration. My art apprentice, Debbie was busy designing beautiful title cards amongst a myriad of other jobs. On top of all the work on AD Holmes, Tom was busy demonstrating his watercolour talents for a painting for “The Lost Princess“ and Samantha is working flat out on her very own drawn animated sequence for the end of the film.

Councillor Brian Rust has been indispensable in helping us find locations for filming. Duncan and Jo are doing an incredible job behind the scenes this week making sure everything comes together in time for the shoot with Nicola Dixon at Goole Town Council. Director Peter Kershaw is back from feature film work in Greece and ready to work with our crew for the entire shoot!

We are hoping for sunshine for location filming around Old Goole! The rain has been torrential the last few weekends. (At least we have an underwater camera if the heavens open!)But don’t let the fear of a few drops of rain put you off joining our team of extras this weekend. It’s going to be quite an experience and we want as many people as we can get! If you’d like to be join us, email goolesilentmovie@hotmail.com.

All go

2007-07-01T18:40:00.000Z

Well things are really moving fast now. Madeleine started working on the two scripts today with our cast while I worked with our Art crew. For Dr A.D. Holmes we've are busy making model cockroaches to be animated in stop motion, placards and title cards. On The Lost Princess we have a whole ship and ocean which we are animating in drawn animation.

Today we also welcomed two new apprentices. Duncan Laing is taking on the task of production assistant on The Lost Princess. Debbie Harman is supporting me with the Art Department. Jo, fresh from her ITV success is moving to AD Holmes after doing a brilliant job starting up The Lost Princess.

Young directors Beth and Martin get to grips with the production challenges with production assistant Duncan Laing.

Meet the cast!

2007-06-25T09:31:00.001Z

"Dr A.D Holmes"

Dr A.D. Holmes - Steven Anthony Bennett

Mr Ellis - Brian Rust

Mrs AD Holmes - Hannah Littlefair

Miss Peacock - Emily Britton

Albert, head of council - Luke Erickson

Young boy - Ryan

"The Lost Princess"

Anastasia - Rebecca Ellerington

The Butler - Luke Erickson

The Inspector - John Andrews

Cleaners - Martin Ward and Beth Horncastle

Magistrate 1 - Robyn Caldwell

Magistrate 2 - Taryn Preston

The Judge - Peter M Kershaw

Hotel manager - Hannah Litllefair

Hotel guest 1 - Emma Thompson

Hotel guest 2 - Rebecca Stothert

Hotel guest 3 - Emma Gill

Policeman 1 - David Bunting

Policeman 2 - Kirk Argun

PRODUCTION STAGE TWO

2007-06-23T14:19:00.000Z

With any luck, our brilliant PRODUCTION COORDINATORS, KIRK and EMMA will covered your script in coloured markers and from this produced a LIST for each element - Characters, Props, Costume, Location, effects, make-up, etc.

With shooting just weeks away, Kirk and Emma have a new challenge from Peter (Don't panic - Jo, myself and the rest of the team are on hand to help).

For Stage 2, you have to start to source the elements by working down each list and ticking them off. As your PRODUCTION COORDINATORS titles suggest, you are also in charge of co-ordinating the teams..!

It is your job to give the DESIGN TEAM the costume, make-up, props, set lists - all the design elements - see that they are finding these items. Check with them every week.

EMMA RENHARD will be co-ordinating costume and CHARLIE OSWIN will be working on MAKE-UP.

The production co-coordinators need to talk with the APPRENTICE PRODUCTION person on each film about checking these areas (costume and Make-up) that they are covered and what is needed. Give them your list.

We will need to store the items we make and source - TALK TO NICOLA & DAVID about storing at the GATE THEATRE.

With the DIRECTORS - YOU NEED TO LOOK AT LOCATIONS.

LOCATIONS bring new questions like permission, contacts, access, toilets, parking, and while DIRECTORS and PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATORS can identify these places they need to pass on any information to the APPRENTICE PRODUCTION person on each film to secure access, permission and if the location can work.

A film is made in pre-production - what happens on set is simply the carrying out of the planning that went into pre-production. It is the most important time in the life of a film!

Peter

Jo scoops ITV job!

2007-06-16T20:01:00.000Z

Congratulations to our fabulous film apprentice Joanne, who has started a new job working for ITV’s Factuals department as a Production Secretary, covering both the Manchester and Leeds sites.

Jo, who is acting as production supervisor for "The Lost Princess" in Goole Silent Movie, is a BA Honours graduate in Contemporary Film and Video at Manchester Metropolitan University. Her student film ‘School Daze’ was voted runner up in the ‘BBC’s Best of North West’ category in the 2006 Exposures Film Festival and won the North West region’s ‘Best Student Drama’ award by the Royal Television Society.

You'd think she'd be busy enough, but Jo says she enjoying the challenge of "assisting students create a fantastic piece using the exploration of different Medias."

She also says she is enjoying "working with professionals and learning new skills and techniques, as well as expanding her knowledge of silent movies and working with 8mm film."

If you think you recognise Jo, it might be as a dancer or actor! She and has performed at many prestigious venues including Sadler’s Well’s, The Royal Albert Hall and Disneyland, Paris. Her television credits include At Home With The Braithwaites, A Touch of Frost, Emmerdale and Heartbeat. She even finds the time to teach dance at the DM Academy in Shipley. Jo, who is an inspiration to the entire silent movie team, deserves it all. Well done!

Fantastic 4

2007-06-14T12:32:00.000Z

To make two films at once - who's idea was that anyway?! - we will be using 4 (fantastic) alternating teams who will become experts in their chosen area. Many want to experience life in front of and behind the camera, which is a great idea. These 4 make it is possible to do both! The teams cover the following crew rolls:

DIRECTOR TEAM
Director, Ass't Director, Production coordinator, location, script editors, etc.

CAMERA TEAM
Operator, Ass't Cam, stills, clapperboard/loader. (those with a technical mind will like this team)

DESIGN TEAM
(for the creative ones) Very important in a silent film. Includes those responsible for Costume, make-up, props & set. Emma Renhard from Yorkshire Coast College will be working with those interested in Costume.

SPECIAL EFFECTS TEAM
has been created to cover - Animation, all visual effects/artwork. Uniquely on these films, we are using techniques used on silent films. Here is a chance to work with a real live animator - QUICK ON A PENCIL - David Bunting!

There is still time to add an interest in or join our CREW. Just contact Nicola at the Gate Theatre.

Peter M Kersaw
Producer/Director
Duchy Parade Films

So you’ve got a script!

2007-06-12T18:32:00.000Z

What do you do next if you’re making a film and ALL you have is the SCRIPT?

STAGE ONE

On our project, KIRK and EMMA who are working as PRODUCTION COORDINATORS on the two short films will have to find a way of working out all the things they need to make the film’s happen.

HOW?
Easy!
Take a copy of the script you are responsible for and a set of coloured marker pens!

WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO IS MAKE SURE YOU’VE FOUND ALL THE ‘PHYSICAL ELEMENTS’ that’s is, all the things that have to be on set for the cameras to turn over. (Film!).

You set yourself a key - one colour for each heading. So for example – RED for character. Then you go through the whole script with a red marker and mark each time a character appears.

SO what headings – what do we mean?

WELL, I’d go for these headings on this project:

Colour marker: Subject:
RED Character
GREEN Location
BLUE Costume
YELLOW Props (these are items associated with a character)
PINK Set dressing (these are all the other items like – a lamp)
PENCIL (DRAW CIRCLE ROUND) Effects (animation!)

There can be other colours and other headings – it depends on the script.

The main thing is to find a way to identify all the items that are needed. Once the script is marked up you simply make a list of each – here we would have six lists. Or a TABLE for each scene with six columns listing the six headings above. (Do both, as you need them for different things).

NEXT I’LL TELL YOU WHAT TO DO with them NOW YOU HAVE THE SIX LISTS.

THERE YOU HAVE IT, AN INDUSTRY – PRODUCTION BREAKDOWN.

Good colouring!

Peter M. Kershaw, director/producer

Auditions

2007-06-12T17:53:00.000Z

Well the auditions were great. It was brilliant to see so many good actors, and so hard to choose the parts. Thankfully we had the directing duo for Dr AD Holmes with us, Martin Ward and Beth Horncastle. Kirk, (sitting the background) filmed the screen tests for us. The cast are being contacted over the next few days, and we'll put up all the news on the blog very soon!

Auditions THIS SUNDAY!

2007-06-08T14:23:00.000Z

We are holding audtions/crew interviews this Sunday 10 June. If you haven't yet been in touch to book a time slot, don't worry! Just come down to The Gate on Dunhill Road in Goole from 4pm for the open audition. We will see people in the order they arrive.

You don't have to prepare anything, just have an idea of what you want to do (acting, crew or both).

You can just come along to meet us and see what you think

We look forward to meeting you

Goole Silent Movie Creative Team

Auditions on Sun 10th June

2007-06-03T11:20:00.000Z

Well it's that time again! If you'd like to act in our film then come down to the auditions in Goole this Sunday! We have all manor of big and small parts to fill from the Inspector (tall and mysterious, 20's) in The Lost Princess, to the lead part in Dr AD Holmes, a fiery story of a one-man battle against an almost impossible council after his best and most loyal friend dies. See the full casting list below. If you are interested in being auditioned, you need to book an casting appointment. Contact Nicola on 01405 763652 or email her at goolesilentmovie@hotmail.co.uk

Casting for:
The Butler - average sized man with strong physical presence.
The Inspector - quite tall and with a mysterious look about him.
Anastasia's lover - a young male, rather tall with dark hair; he is not of a high status.
The Judge- a large man
Magistrates x 3 - two are women and the other is a man who is taller than the two women
Lots of great small parts and extras.

Casting for:
Dr A.D. Holmes - Young, tall man.
Albert - Head of council - Old, fat and very powerful.
Miss Peacock, secretary - Young, frizzy ginger hair and blue eyes.
Mr Ellis. Old - Frail and very ill
Mrs A.D. Holmes - Young, with brown hair.
Young boy aged around 12 - small, with blond hair.
Lots of smaller parts and extras.
We also need an angry crowd to picket the Town Hall!

Scriptwriting

2007-05-28T13:29:00.000Z

Well, our two silent movie scripts are well on the way to completion and they are looking great.

Paul Arrowsmith spent last Sunday with our writing team looking over the first drafts. For our writers it was an opportunity to discuss with a superb script editor how make their scripts even better.

Paul is preparing to write his final script notes as we get ready for the big push into production. It's exciting to think that between now and the next round of auditions in Goole on June 10th, lots of hard work is being done behind the scenes.

See what Paul Arrowsmith had to say about his working with our young writers.

Notes to story editors

2007-05-16T17:43:00.000Z

Paul Arrowsmith has asked for a copy of the 2 finished scripts for this Saturday so he can prepare notes for Sunday's writing workshop! Please paste a copy of your script in the comments section of this post so he can read it, by Saturday morning, 9am. Also email the script to goolesilentmovie@hotmail.co.uk. Don't forget to bring all your notes with you and along with a hard copy of the script...!
Thanks
NB Saturday's advertised effects workshop has been moved to a later date. Details to follow. Paul's writing workshop is the next session - this Sunday at 1-5.30.

Becky Ellerington is Anastasia!

2007-05-15T17:43:00.000Z

Congratulations to Becky Ellerington, who's screen test during Sundays auditions won her the part of Anastasia in "The Lost Princess". Actor Paul Vates, who led the auditions, said Becky has something of the Cameron Diaz about her! See her first screen test, opening a box of chocolates, and judge for yourself.

We all took part in Paul's incredible workshop on silent film acting. The skills he give our actors in a few hours was amazing to see. We are looking forward to Paul coming back during rehearsals. Auditions are continuing over the coming weeks, with many big parts still to cast. If you are interested in acting in the film, let us know! We will be auditioning for more young people in Goole soon!

Casting director, Madeliene Frost, watches Paul Vates in motion.

Hello Dawn

2007-05-15T17:13:00.000Z

Check out this short film made by two of our young filmmakers, Martin Ward and Beth Horncastle who made the film, along with Dawn Debenham. They made it in one day, which is pretty impressive. They describe the film as "dawn getting terrified because she is being stalked by richard, a dawn fanatic who greets her with the words "hello dawn". A good use of close-ups and some imaginative shots keeps the film interesting, and a little creepy!

Interview with Rebbeca Stothart

2007-05-15T13:02:00.000Z

Writer Rebbecca Stothart, who's film "The Lost Princess" entered pre-production this week, tells us what it has been like to work with the two Paul's and see her film come to life!

Scriptwriting with Paul Arrowsmith

2007-05-15T12:35:00.000Z

On Saturday screenwriter Paul Arrowsmith worked with our writers, developing stories into scripts. Our writers were introduced to concepts usually reserved for Pauls MA students and responded by producing an astonishing quality of work.

Paul was so impressed with our writers, he has agreed to come back and help polish their scripts this week! Sunday 20th May, 1,30-5.30 -writers bring your finished scripts! Paul will be spending an hour and a half on each script, going through it scene by scene, so make sure it's as good as it can be!

Calling young actors - auditions Sunday 13th May!

2007-05-08T10:21:00.000Z

As announced live on Stray FMs Big Fun Breakfast this morning, Channel 4's 4talent, Talent Circle etc, we are looking for filmmakers, actors and special effects artists to join our team!

AUDITIONS are held Sunday, 13th May at Goole's Gate Theatre. You must be aged 13-20 and live in Yorkshire.

Celebrated mime artist Paul Vates is taking a mime workshop where young actors can learn the skills of silent film acting.

Starting way back in 1992, entertaining the queues outside Madame Tussaud's in London, Paul has since established himself as a one of the leading performers in silent comedy.

(We are particularly fond of him in his MegaMaths cape)!

Paul is asking actors to prepare a 1 minute mime routine. It has to be moral and legal and remember it's got to be silent!

You have to be available for rehearsing in Goole at weekends leading up to filming during the half term holidays.

Filmmakers interested in joining the film crew will have the opportunity to work actual film cameras and shoot screen tests. Artists interested in joining our special effects unit will be discovering the secrets of back screen and front screen projection and a range of optical effects.

Saturday 12th May is the day for young writers. See the winning story post below for details.

And the winning story is...

2007-05-08T08:27:00.000Z

"The Lost Princess"

Congratulations to Becky Stothert and Emma Gill aka Ticket Productions, whose detective story "The Lost Princess" is our Goole Silent Movie project!

Beating stiff competition from our competing groups to win the Gong Show, it will enter production over the coming weeks.

"The Lost Princess" is a fictional story, a murder mystery like an Inspector Morse, the story of a New Inspector that comes to Goole and discovers a body of a young girl and has to unravel the mystery of her murder. Set around the docks of the port of Goole the young girl turns out to be Anastasia the missing Russian Princess, but who murdered her and why?

In the spotlight: Winners Becky Stothert and Emma Gill.

Congratulations also to Becky Ellerington, Hannah Littlefair and Emma Thompson aka 2 brunette's and a blonde, whose true life story of one man’s determination to save lives and improve living conditions in Goole will be made into a Pathe style news reel!

"A fiery story of a one-man battle against an almost impossible council after his best and most loyal friend dies.” The story of how Mr Ellis, one of Goole’s oldest residents, died due to bad housing and how Dr Holmes forced the Council leader to face up to the conditions people were living in. A Campaigning story that results in the bringing of hygienic housing to Goole.

This Saturday, screenwriter and guest lecturer at the Northern Film School, Paul Arrowsmith will help all our writers transform "The Lost Princess" and "Dr A D Holmes" into scripts. As a script editor/advisor on over 50 short films, Paul brings a wealth of experience to the Goole Silent Movie Project. Budding writers are welcome to join us this Saturday, 12.30-6pm at Dunhill Road Community Centre in Goole, next to The Gate Theatre.

It takes confidence to pitch infront of our judging pannel and audience. Well done to everyody who took part!

Director Peter Kerhsaw collecting the votes.

Actor Madeline Frost collecting the vote from project coordinator Nicola Dixon. Fresh from helping the count at Thursdays local elections, Nicola made sure the voting was properly regulated!

Pitch Perfect

2007-05-02T17:12:00.000Z

Back from America for Sunday's Gong Show, here's director Peter Kershaw's last minute advice on how to pitch perfect...

Remember the who, where, when, style (genre) and content.
Does your project have a TITLE?
What IS IT LIKE? (Other story examples similar to your story we may have seen).
WHO is your story about – i.e. WHO is your MAIN CHARACTER?
WHAT happens to your main character?
WHAT starts their adventure?
WHO IS THE OPPONENT – i.e. WHO is trying to stop your MAIN CHARACTER achieve their goal?
HOW will the story end?
WHERE is it set?
HOW long do you think it will be?
As it’s a silent movies – think how animation and other effects could be used to tell your story.

Good luck (I like chocolate milk buttons if that helps)!
Peter

Bring on the Gong Show

2007-05-01T09:04:00.000Z

Thanks to everyone at the National Media Museum who made our visit a memorable one. Seeing the film tests on the big screen was quite an occasion. The quality of the Kodak black&white film stock really did transport us back to the old world of early cinema. But what was even better was the spontaneous laughter, cheering and feeling of accomplishment of watching every ones first film tests. Colin Harding also gave a breathtaking insight tour behind the scenes at the museums hidden film collections.

Now it's on to the Gong Show this Sunday at Goole's Gate Theatre when the audience decides which groups film idea is going to be made for real. Judging by the quality of ideas so far, it's going to be a tight run race. Check out the 8 Golden rules of storytelling for some great tips as well as deatils about the Gong Show. It's an an open event, so anyone wanting an inside look into what we are doing, or thinking about joining our group is very welcome. The show runs 12-4 this Sunday.

From camera to film print

2007-04-26T19:12:00.000Z

This Sunday we screen our very first film tests! With mobile phones and videos we are used to instantly creating movies. With film, the process is longer and a little more complicated.

Here's how it was done.

After filming the tests using black and white film from our sponsors at Kodak, the films needed to be developed. We are using 2 different black and white film stocks. Kodak PlusX (pictured below) dates all the way back to 1938, so we are really are using historical film to make an historical film! It's still a favourite with professionals today.

From Goole, the films went all the way to the London and the film labs at no.w.here, a cultural centre for artist film and video production. James Holcombe developed them, by
hand, in a darkroom - just the way they would have been in the early 1900's!

At this stage, we have a developed camera negative, but that's not the end of the process. Because we are using reversal film stock, the film is still in a negative format as you can see below.

The next stage is to create a master positive from the negative and bring it into a digital environment so we can view the film on DVD. Up to this point, we've shot, processed and developed our film the same way filmmakers have for the last 100 years. That's pretty amazing!

Darren Everitt at My Bear Productions in Harrogate kindly transferred the films to digital video by filming the projected film footage in a process called tele-cine. Finally, I assembled the three reels of film in Premiere and mastered them to DVD. For our film, this part of the process will get even more involved to ensure we retain the very best possible quality from the original film print.

Only then is it ready for screening at the National Media Museum.

This Sunday (29 April)

2007-04-25T14:03:00.000Z

Don't forget this Sunday is the big visit to the National Media Musuem at Bradford, another fact-finding mission and also the premiere of our first film tests we made earlier in the month. The Museum have pulled out all the stops and have a packed programme of activities for us (many of them interactive!!!).

If you haven't reserved your place yet, you will need to do so by emailing goolesilentmovie@hotmail.co.uk

We are meeting at 9.45am this Sunday (29 April) at The Gate/Courtyard Car Park on Dunhill Road, Goole to leave for Bradford.

You will need to bring: Your story ideas so far, pen and paper, a packed lunch (or money for lunch) and if you wish to buy anything from the gift shop you might want some spending money.

We will be back into Goole for approxmiately 5.00pm

Look forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

Waterways Museum visit

2007-04-25T13:52:00.000Z

The Waterways Museum visit went really well. All who went thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. We gleamed lots of information from the Museum and the Historical Boat trip.

‘Goole Silent Movie is really interesting and different. I really enjoy it each week and it’s something to do on a Sunday! The boat trip was really fun. I have never seen Goole like that before. The Museum was interesting too.’ Hayley

‘I thought it was really good and seeing all the clothes and tools and stuff because you can imagine what it was like. The Museum is good because you can find out loads of stuff about Goole that I didn’t know. The Gooses rock!’ Robyn

‘I have really really enjoyed myself today. The boat trip was amazing. Seeing all the information in the museum about Goole and the docks was amazing. Knowing what happened years ago was weird because we’re so used to our lives and technology now that it was so different. It has been fun.’ Melissa

This Sunday (22 April)

2007-04-17T12:20:00.000Z

Don't forget...

We are meeting at 1pm up at the Waterways Museum, Dutchriverside, Goole this Sunday for boat trips around the docks and a tour of the museum! This visit will give us some good ideas for developing our stories - so bring your thinking hats!

For more info on the museum, or directions on how to get there visit
www.waterwaysmuseum.org.uk

Get ready for the Gong Show!

2007-04-10T11:35:00.000Z

If you are a young budding screenwriter or director, then this is the moment you’ve been waiting for! On Sunday 6th May at Goole’s Gate Theatre we are holding a Gong Show. Anyone with an idea for a great Goole Silent Movie will get 5 minutes to present their story to an audience! At the end of the presentations everybody will get the chance to vote for their favourite idea. The winning story will be announced live at the Gong Show and made into a film over the coming weeks! Shooting will commence over the Spring Bank holidays.

We have seen so many great ideas over the last few weeks - any of which you can enter. Read Peters rules and tips below for details.

I look forward to seeing you at the Gong Show!

David

What are we looking for?

We are looking for ideas up to 10 minutes in duration. As a guide think of 10 minutes as equal to 10 pages of A4. You don‘t need to make a full script at this stage. We will do that as a team in the weeks leading up to filming.

We are looking for a Drama (fiction) But it must be based on or inspired by the history and heritage of Goole and its surrounding area from the early part of the last century.

How do you create a winning presentation?

In a pitch you are trying to excite people about your idea in an exciting and informative way. You can simply tell your idea, but using drawings, storyboards, and/or photographs can help other people see the film you are describing the way you imagine it.

No one likes sitting through an endless presentation so make sure your presentation is memorable and exciting! You’ll need to remember to speak loudly enough so they can hear you on the back row of the theatre! Remember you have 5 minutes. That is more than enough time but it does mean you will have to plan your presentation beforehand to make sure you don‘t go over. At the end of 5 minutes a gong will sound (it’s a gong show remember) and your time will be up!

You can work by yourself or with others in any size group to develop the pitch.

Where to begin?

The first thing you need to do is research your idea. If you don’t yet have an idea, then researching local stories will be a great start. Visit your local museums and library and check out newspaper archives. Ask older people about stories they remember or heard about people, events and places from Goole’s past. Don’t forget the Internet! Research gives you information to make your story unique and interesting. If you fail to research your story will be dull. Research can give you names for characters and places where they worked and lived. Museums will help show you what life was like 100 years ago, which will help give your story a ring of truth.

Fictional stories are always stronger when rooted in real factual people, places and events.
Look for interesting locations – where would your story be set, where would we film it?
Often when developing a story I begin by finding a place to set the story. For example, for a short film about filmmakers I started from the idea of setting the story in a cinema.
Another way is to start by developing a character. Who is it you want to tell your story about? I knew my characters were filmmakers so a natural place for them to be would be in a cinema.

Once you have an idea of whom your story is about and where you want the story to be set, ask yourself – what is the genre of the story? This will help define the films style and look.
For example, is it a comedy, horror, fantasy, romance, thriller or a mix.

The choice of genre is often associated with the emotion you wish your audience to feel.
When they’ve seen your film do you want people to feel happy, fearful, to escape the world, the joy of being in love? Or make them look for clues to solve the story they are watching?

Creating a character

We all like films with characters we identify with, with people we find interesting.
You need an event that calls them to go on a journey.

For example...

a friend they’ve not seen for a long time suddenly returns, they are physically are going on a journey, they are left something in a will, they are invited to have a new experience like their first time on a boat, making a film, diving into a dock, driving a train, camping under the stars or visiting a house they’ve never been in before. They find themselves in an unexpected situation were they have to help someone or save themselves or someone else.

Developing a story is all about asking yourself questions and using your imagination to answer those questions. Start by writing down what you know or have created about your character. Ask yourself the following questions.

What?
When?
Where?
Why?
How?
Now?

For example, what? What do they do for a living?, – do they work or not – are they too young, a student, a father looking after a family, an unemployed mother.
There are lots of questions you can ask for each key word. Writing down your answers will help you develop your character so you know what they will do in any situation they find themselves in in your story. What do they like?, what do they do?, what do they want?, what is their name?, what is the thing that scares them most?

Peter M. Kershaw
Writer/director

If you have any questions at all, add a comment and we will reply. Peter will be writing more about story on the blog so keep checking! We hope these tips help you on your storytelling quest. Good luck!

8 Golden Rules of Storytelling

2007-04-07T15:00:00.000Z

On 1st April writer/director Peter M Kershaw revealed the 8 Golden elements of classic story structure.

From early cinema classics such as "The Great Train Robbery" to modern day blockbusters like "The Matrix" we saw how using these 8 Golden rules can transform your film ideas into winning stories!

Here they are again. For an Easter challenge, how about trying to spot how many of these 8 story elements you can find in the films you watch over the holidays? Then (maybe with a friend) see how many of these you can put into your own film ideas. Good luck!

1. GHOST event in main characters lives
2. CONTEXT time/setting/time/place/world of story
3. PROBLEM or NEED Character overcomes/ problems/changes
4. DESIRE Drive
5. OPPONENT Conflict with enemy/opposition
6. PLAN How the character attains what they want
7. BATTLE Main character + opposition clash
8. EMOTION AUDIENCE IS LEFT WITH

PS If you want to see some of Peter's latest work and get more top story tips then go behind the scenes of The Last Coiner, a tale set in Yorkshire in the late 1700's. And yes, that is me! I'm John the Informant.

Dates for your diary!

2007-04-02T10:15:00.000Z

The next time we meet up will be Sunday 22 April at the Waterways Museum, Dutchriverside, Goole from 1pm - 5pm for a trip on a boat around Goole Docks. Find out the stories surrounding the Docks area! Great story fodder to help your film ideas.

On Sunday 29 April we are visiting the National Media Museum at Bradford to premiere our short films! We leave Goole at 10am returning at 5pm. This fun visit will also help us with our research into the Silent Movie genre and film-making. We will need confirmation of those wanting to come on this visit to make sure we have enough room on the bus! If you would like to come email goolesilentmovie@hotmail.co.uk

Over the Easter holidays you all should be really busy researching your stories for pitching! Let us know your progress by emailing us at goolesilentmovie@hotmail.co.uk

Happy Easter!

3 films in a day!

2007-03-29T11:28:00.000Z

Last Sunday was sunny and gorgeous in Goole - perfect for making a series of films based on everything we've been looking at so far - old Goole stories, acting, film-making and special effects. Under the supervision of Duchy Parade Films Peter M Kershaw, our groups got their first experience using actual film cameras with black and white film thanks to our sponsors at Kodak! We discovered how to use a range of Super 8 cameras, set up a tripod and direct a shot on location. Our groups storyboarded, made props and special effects set pieces, rehearsed, acted, directed. In short they made their very own silent movies in a day.

EVERYBODY came away from the day with a ton of learning which will provide invaluable in preparing for the shoot proper over Spring Bank. The films are going away for developing and will have their first screening when we visit the National Media Museum at Bradford on Sunday 29th April!

This Sunday, 1st April is our last session before Easter. Peter Kershaw is taking a writing workshop at 2pm and helping our group prepare for their next challenge. Pitching a film concept to our group - our Goole Silent Movie project!

3 DAYS TO GO!

2007-03-15T11:02:00.000Z

Another great session on Sunday, and plenty of skills on display to put to good use this week (18th March) when we will be making a film (or two or four) in one day! We are going to be using the proper 8mm cine film this time, which for many of you will be a rare chance to handle cameras with real reels inside! These 50 foot cartridges will then be sent off to be developed over the coming weeks, ready to show on the big screen on our forthcoming trip to Bradford’s National Museum of Film and Photography! More details soon, so keep checking for updates!

This is an excellent chance to be bold and creative, so bring along your stories and pitch your ideas, because the more stories we have the better! Get texting your gran and find out what Goole was reelly like in the days of Charlie Chaplin and Gertie the Dinosaur! Bring ideas, images, props, and friends! It's still not too late to join! Remember we will be running the session from 12-5 this week to give us extra filmmaking time!

Last week’s experiments with stop motion and film speeds showed us the unlimited possibilities of film, so however fantastical your tales, come and share them! Though simple, these effects are responsible not only for Benny Hill (who perhaps owes every laugh he ever got to simply speeding up his films) but also to many of even the most modern special effects.

The 'Bullet Time' effect used in the Matrix films, was directly developed from these quite primitive techniques. A discussion of Bullet Time on wikipedia gives a history of this, going right back to a 1878 photographic experiment to see if horses jump when they run! (they do) That's from before cinema even existed!

More famously, early monster films like King Kong and Godzilla were made possible through using animation techniques to bring to life their creations, and directors such as Terry Gilliam (12 Monkeys, Time Bandits, The Brothers Grimm) and Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) have become famous for their fantastic films mixing of these effects into their stories.

Their movies may seem a million miles from the silent movie days, but attempts to use animation and live action together began at the earliest stages of cinema. Watch this classic short from 1900 on YouTube and you’ll see the birth of everything from Roger Rabbit to Jurassic Park. It's inspiring stuff, and shows just how much has been achieved in just over a hundred years.

Get thinking about how we can use these creative skills to bring the Goole of old to life!
Only 3 days to go!

Sunday 11th March - Special Effects

2007-03-12T19:35:00.000Z

Sunday 11th March was again a fantastic session. We looked at Special Effects in silent movies and saw some examples of these in films like Winsor McCay's 'Gertie the Dinosaur', George Melies and Felix the Cat.

As well as looking at animation we also looked at stop time. We demonstrated this by filming a scenario: a princess kisses a frog which turns into a prince. We filmed the princess kissing the frog and then took the frog away and replaced it with the prince. Therefore when we edited the piece it looked like the frog turned into a prince. We then added the animation part. We took stills of each drawing of the puff of smoke getting bigger. When all the stills are put together at speed the drawings come alive and the puff of smoke is animated. We added the puff of smoke inbetween the frog changing to a prince to show how the special effects work.
After this demonstration we split into groups to produce pieces of stop time and animation special effects. Everyone worked well and used their creativity to produce some great pieces.

Don't forget next week is at the slightly earlier time of 12pm - 5pm, as we're making a film in a day! So spread the word and bring along more friends - the more the merrier! ....oh and don't forget we really need your help in finding old stories to use as starting points for film ideas.

See you ALL on Sunday!

Jo x

Sunday 4th March

2007-03-06T14:24:00.000Z

Sunday 4th March was our second official session with the participants of the Goole Silent Movie and we've got a really talented and enthusiastic group developing - although we are keen to involve even more young people so do get in touch if you're interested in being involved.
Acting and drama have been a big part of the first two sessions. We've done lots of exercises which require both a knowledge of film and an ability to devise drama - and the group has responded brilliantly to everything we've thrown at them. Even when we banned talking in the scenes we've been working on (well, it is a silent film project!) everyone has really worked hard to find other ways to tell stories.

Stories were a key part of our work on the 4th - we had a variety of fascinating old photos, posters and other bits and pieces which depicted Goole as it was around a hundred years ago and we used these as inspiration for dozens of stories which came to life both on the stage and on the page in the form of some fantastic drawings.

Next week the patience of our many technically minded group will be rewarded when they spend a session looking at special effects with David - and they will then be ready for our biggest challenge yet - a Film in a Day project the following Sunday. I can't wait!

Goole on the Web

2007-03-03T17:22:00.000Z

I've added a link on the blog to a great site called Goole on the Web. It has fascinating historical photographs, videos, paintings and historical notes - just the kind of reference we need. Worth a look!

Loads of Links!

2007-02-28T20:19:00.000Z

The General (Buster Keaton, 1927)

What a fantastic turn-out on Sunday - it was excellent to see so many young people, and so much enthusiasm for the project on our first day. The team was really impressed with the energy of the group and the range of talents they brought - from posing as moving-talking sculptures to miming interpretations of Brokeback Mountain and other modern classics!

For those of you who couldn’t stay for our film screening, don’t despair! Many classic silent films are now available for viewing on the web. Here is a list of links, including the two films we screened on Sunday, plus some others you might find interesting:

Buster Keaton’s fantastic comedy The General (the second half of which we will screen this coming Sunday, 4th March)

Felix the Cat in Hollywood, and for the budding artists and animators amongst the group, another excellent early Felix cartoon, April Maze, can be seen here...

Finally, for those of you who’d like to see just how pioneering early filmmakers were, inventing the first special effects, you might enjoy looking at these:
http://www.archive.org/details/le_voyage_dans_la_lune_2006
http://www.archive.org/details/star_theatre_1901
http://www.archive.org/details/ChelovekskinoapparatomManWithAMovieCamera

In fact, this whole internet archive is well worth exploring for other films too, as they are loads of early Chaplin films and animations to inspire us on our own silent movie...

As an introduction to our artists, I’d like also to invite you to explore some of the film work produced by the team, some of whom made the news recently with our steering group!

Peter’s production company’s site, Duchy Parade Films, is found here and has links to his production video diaries on YouTube.

David’s Myspace page has a range of examples of his animation projects.

Madeline can be heard as the voice of Miss Anthrax (!!) on David’s animation Vernic.

Jo’s award-winning short School Daze can be seen here (select from left hand column).

And my film work with super 8mm and re-edited old movies can be viewed here or on YouTube.

We look forward to seeing even more of you this weekend, so don’t forget, it’s not too late to get involved! Bring your friends and your friends’ friends, and your friends’ friends’ friends!

See you there!

Ciaran

And the North-West region winner of the RTS Student Television Award is

2007-02-28T15:07:00.000Z

our aprentice Joanne Eibin! Her film "School Daze", produced at Manchester Metepolitan University is the North-West region winner of the RTS Student Television Award. The RTS Awards are the gold standard of achievement in the television community, so huge congratulations to Jo! You can watch School Daze here.

The big launch

2007-02-28T12:35:00.000Z

We've finally begun!

After months of planning we held the very first workshop on Sunday 25th Feb - the day of the Oscars. A superb group of young people joined us for the first day of what is going to be a really exciting filmmaking journey. The Sunday Film Club has also started and it is the first time I've had a chance to see a lot of silent films on the big screen. Seeing them in a room full of people laughing and enjoying them together was awesome! I've set up Film Club links on the blog so you can find out more about the films, directors and actors featured. Producer/director Peter M Kershaw and myself went to London yesterday for the First Light Movie Awards to see some of the very best of films made by young people - a real inspiration - before visiting various film processing studios for the project.

For anyone interested in joining, the good news is it's not to late. We are still looking for young talented actors, filmmakers, writers and artists. Come along to The Gate Theatre on Sunday for 2pm to register and have a go.

Its not to late!

2007-02-22T15:16:00.000Z

We are still looking for

Actors, Film-makers, Writers, Animators, Prop set and Costume Designers, Researchers and Musicians aged 13 -20 to join this exciting project. We have an excellent team of film-makers to work with you to help develop your skills and ideas.

The project is FREE and will involve regular weekly sessions
STARTING THIS SUNDAY 25 FEB.
Join us from 2pm at The Gate Theatre

for directions see www.thegategoole.com

Don't want to come alone? bring a friend!

Countdown to start of project

2007-02-20T12:03:00.000Z

It's really close

We are nearly there . . . Official countdown 5 days to go!!

The project starts on Sunday 25 February from 2pm at The Gate, Dunhill Road Goole

We are still looking for more people to take part

OPEN DAY TODAY

2007-02-16T11:36:00.000Z

The long wait is over

The open day is today.

Here's your opportunity to come down to Goole Museum to meet our film-makers

So pop along between 1pm and 3pm

We look forward to seeing you there!

Open Day Friday 16 Feb

2007-02-15T15:51:00.000Z

Come and find out more

Open day tomorrow - Friday 16 Feb 1pm - 3pm
Goole Museum (above Goole Library)

Film-makers David Bunting and Peter Kershaw will be in Goole at the Open Day to meet you and answer your queries and questions, and to explain a little more about the project.

Drop in and meet the team

We want you!

2007-02-08T18:37:00.000Z

Big respect to our brilliant apprentice Ciaran Cross who designed this poster after a publicity workshop with our young people's steering committee. We think it's important that everything, even the posters, are designed by you. As you can see we have some top people working with us. Now we need more! If you think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you!

2007-02-08T16:41:00.000Z

So, are you interested? want to join up to the project?

We are holding an Open Day on Friday 16 Feb from 1pm - 3pm at Goole Museum (above Goole Library) in the centre of Goole.

Come and join us, find out more about the project and meet the artistic team.

If you are unable to make the open day - and know you definately want to join the project, come along the the first film-making session on Sunday 25 February 2pm - 5.30pm at The Gate Theatre, Dunhill Road, Goole

If you want more info on the project email us at goolesilentmovie@hotmail.co.uk
or post a comment.

We look forward to meeting you all

2007-01-29T13:39:00.000Z

Apprentices now in post and with great pleasure can announce they are Ciaran Cross and Joanne Eibin. Who I'm sure will post a blog with a hello soon.

The project is really gaining momentum, the young peoples steering group have been coming up with designs for a flier about the project which we will attach onto here if technically possible.

We'd really like to hear from young people aged 13 - 20 in the Goole area who are interested in joining the project in February, and if you would like to know more, leave a blog.

We are also looking to find any old footage of Goole that people may have so get searching your attics!

Apprentice Inteviews

2006-12-05T14:33:00.000Z

We have now shortlisted the candidates for The Apprentice, Nicola, David and Madeleine are interviewing on Friday, so news will be posted here about the successful candidate/s.

Plans are coming together for the start of the project in January, with David, Peter and Madeleine going into Vermuyden School on 18th December.

If you know of a young person who would be interested in the project, please do not hesitate to leave a blog with their details. I will pick up all the blogs and won't publish personal details.

Nicola

The Apprentice Film-maker

2006-11-17T15:20:00.000Z

We are looking for an individual who wishes to enhance their skills in film-making through working with professional film-makers.

Contract with: Goole Town Council
Project Location: Goole
Proposed Project Timescale: 107 sessions (e.g morning, day or evening) dependent upon applicants The Apprentice may be split between two candidates 53 sessions each contract. Contract from end January 2007 – May 2007
Fee: £40 per session
Closing date for applications: Thursday 23 November
Interviews: w/c 11 December

The Project
The film-makers will be working with young people aged 13 – 20 in Goole in devising, creating, writing, filming and editing a silent movie distilled from research into the silent movie genre and local history.

The project is a partnership between Goole Town Council and the museums service of East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The project is funded by: Goole Town Council, Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England.

The project will take place outside of school hours, but may involve some taster workshops within schools to create interest in the project.

It is hoped that we will shoot on 8mm film.

The Role
The Apprentice will assist the Film-making team in sessions with young people. This may include helping with storyboarding, scriptwriting, on location filming, animation and model-making and assisting with drama workshops and rehearsals.

We are looking for someone –
who is aged 18+
with GCSE/A Level or higher in Drama, Film or Media
who is committed and has a track record of good time-keeping
who is willing to help in any way on the project
who has made their own films before
who wants to learn from the other film-makers on the project
who is passionate about film-making or drama
who enjoys working with young people

How to apply
Send a letter stating why you would like to be considered for this apprentice post and tell us what you feel you would learn from being the apprentice. If you have any additional skills you can offer to the project please mention these (e.g stage makeup or animation) Please also send us your c.v (with details of two referees) and showreel of a film you have made (which we can return to you).

Send applications to: Nicola Dixon, Goole Town Council, 17 – 23 Gladstone Terrace, GOOLE DN14 5AQ

2006-11-13T13:28:00.000Z

An exciting opportunity to use heritage, drama and film to inspire young people.

My name is Nicola Dixon, and I am the Youth and Community Arts Co-ordinator for Goole Town Council who run The Gate Theatre and a range of youth arts activities. It's long been a fun idea to create a silent movie with a group of young people.

A year ago we took a group of young people to an International Youth Theatre festival in Poland. one of the items in the festival was a showing of Charlie Chaplin's 'The Kid'. The young people throughly enjoyed the film and alongside these young people we began the idea of creating our own silent film based on the history of our local area. A funding bid to Heritage Lottery Fund's Young Roots was successful and we had the funding.

Next young people helped with recruitment, shortlisted and interviewed artists to lead the project. They chose a team of highly experienced professionals who are:

David Bunting (animator)
Peter Kershaw (producer and film-maker)
Madeleine Frost (dramatist)

When does it all start - and how can I get involved?
We will be recruiting young people aged 13 - 20 to get involved in the project from now, with the workshops starting in mid February 2007. If you would like more information on the project please post a blog.

We are currently looking for an apprentice film-maker who will have the opportunity of working with the professional team - a really fantastic opportunity. More info in The Apprentice blog