"I enjoyed the reflection and placement of my own experience in a wider social sphere... I learnt so much about myself"

Project participant, The National Arts Learning Network, Student Autobiographical Films

NALN: Autobiographic Student Films
http://www.naln.ac.uk/

The National Arts Learning Network (NALN) comprises specialist art, design and performing arts institutions, working together to widen participation in higher education. Their 2009 conference was held at BAFTA.

Project brief: Produce four films which detail and convey the individual stories of students from non-traditional backgrounds studying at NALN member colleges. Deliver an exciting opening film sequence for the conference using clips from blockbuster movies with relevant content.

What we did:

Participatory Student Films

• Developed a model for student led direction of films ensuring acurate reflection and portrayal of their stories
• Conducted research and development workshops with participating students culminating in storyboards
• Produced, shot and edited four 5-7 minute autobiographic student films

• Selected content for the opening sequence in liaison with the NALN
• Negotiated copyright clearance for Educating Rita, Billy Elliot, Kes and The History Boys.
• Edited the conference opening sequence featuring Educating Rita, Billy Elliot, Kes and The History Boys.