Award-winning student film premiered at Llantwit Major Comprehensive School
Llantwit Major Comprehensive School has held its very first
film premiere, screening 'Bottom Line', a powerful drama that was
written, performed and filmed entirely by a group of students from
the school.
'Bottom Line' examines the dramatic effects that alcohol can
have on the lives of young people. Lynne Osborne, community
learning manager at the school, said: “The idea for the film began
with a discussion with the local PACT group about the concerns of
the community surrounding anti social behaviour in the town. We are
delighted with what has happened since then. The young people have
had the most amazing experience and with the support of Kay Smith,
head of drama, and Antony Smith, from Tornado films, they have
produced an emotive and professional production which we hope will
be used to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving
to young people across the Vale. This has been a perfect example of
how a community can work together.”
The film is already an award winner, sweeping the boards at the
media4school awards with 'Best Overall Film' and 'Best Edit'.
Head teacher Dr Vince Browne opened the premiere evening by
welcoming an audience of young people, parents and the wider
community to the school to enjoy a programme of events performed by
the film's cast. Dr Browne said: “I am proud to come to work each
day with these young people.”
Seventeen-year-old Alison Webster from Llantwit Major, who
co-directed the film, said: “The whole experience was amazing and I
will never forget the final few days of filming. The experience has
helped me to realise that I would like to be more involved in the
production, rather than acting side of drama.”
Alison also introduced a short sketch from a play written by
Amanda Whittingtom called 'Be My Baby'. The play is currently part
of the GCSE drama syllabus and was chosen by a group of sixth-form
girls to perform.
Sixteen-year-olds Helen Cheshire and Anna Robson, both from
Llantwit Major, wrote and performed the music for the film. They
performed the title song to end the evening, making the whole
premiere an unforgettable experience. The audience also enjoyed
refreshments prepared and served by students from the school's
cookery department.
Jane Hutt, AM for education, children and young people, praised
Kay Smith for her dedication to the development of the young people
in Llantwit Major Comprehensive School and gave her support to
ensure the film would be used in schools across Wales.
John Jones, anti-social behaviour officer for the Vale, said: “I
am looking forward to using this film to raise discussions in the
groups I run. It really will make young people think.”
John Moisan, chair of the chamber of trade in Llantwit Major,
thoroughly enjoyed the evening and added: “The film is fantastic.
It is professionally produced and it is great to see young people
working with the community.”
The school are keen to see the filmed used to raise awareness of
alcohol issues within young people in the community. If you work
with young people and would to use the film in this way, please
contact Lynne Osborne at the school on 01446 790755 or email
osbornel@llantwitschool.org.uk.
Captions:
Top: Pupils from Llantwit Major Comprehensive
who wrote, performed and filmed the powerful drama 'Bottom Line'
which has been premiered at the school.
Above right: Helen Cheshire and Anna Robson
wrote and performed the film's title song.