Screen South, in partnership with Ashford Borough Council and Ashford-based film company Borderpoint Films, has launched Screen Ashford, an initiative designed to nurture and develop the next generation of film industry professionals and provide a network for them.
The programme offers a range of exciting events and labs for all ages over the next year, along with training activities specifically for residents, workers and students in the Ashford borough.
Screen Ashford’s plans to nurture a new generation of industry professionals include a range of opportunities – from getting behind the camera and working in the editing suite to managing production schedules.
Jo Nolan, managing director of Screen South, said: “Screen South is very excited to support Screen Ashford in screen activities in the Ashford area.
“There has been a lot of talk about future opportunities in the area so it’s great to be working with local industry partner Borderpoint Films and the Council to lay out opportunities that will give pathway opportunities and a chance for the local industry to come together.”
Chris Dixon, arts & cultural industries manager at Ashford Borough Council, added: “This is a great opportunity to develop more creative skills at all levels in Ashford. We hope that these initiatives will equip local talent with the skills, connections and confidence necessary to thrive in a dynamic and competitive industry.”
Kicking off the programme is Screen Ashford’s inaugural Summer Screen, an initial programme of events and workshops, which includes:
- 3-Day Film School (18+, 12 places): A practical script-to-screen introductory programme – 12, 19 and 27 July 2024, 10am – 5pm, Borderpoint Studios, Ashford
- Short Film Screenings: A 1-hour screening of short films make in and around Kent –17 July 2024, 7pm – 8pm, Ashford Cinema, Elwick Place
- Screen Ashford Network Launch: Featuring a Q&A with an industry professional –24 July 2024, 7pm – 9pm, Ashford Cinema, Elwick Place
- Screen Ashford Film Competition Launch: Screen Ashford will commission four short films (3 mins) to be made in and around Ashford, each with a £3000 contribution from Screen Ashford – 25 July 2024
- Introduction to Creating VR Projects (18+) – 5 and 6 August 2024, 10am – 5pm, Virtual Recreation, Elwick Place
- Film Culture Camps (14-17 years, 20 places) – 7 and 8 August 2024, Ashford Cinema, Elwick Place
Further events and workshops are to be announced later on for the Autumn season.
