Youngsters who tend to be “disillusioned, disengaged or otherwise dissatisfied” with school were “motivated and enthusiastic” about moving image education, according to a recent study.
However, a Scottish Screen project that used film to engage with youngsters in the so-called “Neet” (not in education, employment or training) group was not entirely successful, found a team from Glasgow University who evaluated the initiative. The researchers discovered that one group abandoned its film-making project because of “stiff opposition” from the young people.
Staff from three training providers, employed by Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, were trained by Scottish Screen in moving image education and then, supported by experienced film-makers, worked with the young people.
The trainers were enthusiastic about the impact of the project, particularly when it came to improving communication skills and confidence. However, many reported that they would have liked more training and one warned against allowing moving image education to become an “easy alternative” to traditional literacy.
Although one trainer abandoned the project in the face of opposition from the group, in the two remaining groups, the youngsters did filming and editing, dabbled with different genres producing adverts and short video diaries, and used film to improve their interview skills.
A working film studio was created by one provider, who was considering setting up a local television station. The other group “premiered” its film at the Glasgow Film Theatre and local police sought permission to use it as a resource for working with young people.
www.scottishscreen.com.
