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''Young film-makers tackle issues of Gun, Knife and Gang Culture'

Clapperboard UK’s filmmaking youth project is in its 4th year working with young people across Merseyside.  This year 7 groups of young people will tackle issues of Gun, Knife and Gang Culture' through writing and filmmaking with guidance from industry professionals. 

Local Production Company, Handstand Productions is at the helm working with young people between the ages of 12-17 in the Academy of St Francis of Assisi, Archbishop Beck, Alsop High, De La Salle, Halewood College and the Fairfield Youth and Community Centre.

Professional Writers’ Joe Ainsworth, Arthur Ellison, Marc Gee, Colette Kane, Barbara Phillips and Nick Saltrese will work with the young filmmakers to develop their ideas into scripts. 
This year’s partners and sponsors include Capital of Culture, Bermans Solicitors, Lime Pictures, Knowsley Housing Trust, Merseytravel, National Museums Liverpool, Bananafish Management, Pinewood Studios, Liverpool Echo and Government Office North West, Community Foundation for Merseyside, Forward Culture.
Award Winning Actress, Alison Steadman from BAFTA award winning show Gavin and Stacey has agreed to be on this year's jury with acclaimed writer Frank Cottrell Boyce and Chief Executive of Lime Pictures Carolyn Reynolds.

Alison Steadman comments…”Since its launch in 2004, I've been extremely interested in this very exciting project which offers a different learning experience to young people on Merseyside and I'm delighted to be on this year's panel of jury members".

Organiser Maureen Sinclair said: “More than 600 young people across the north west took part in last year’s project.  Slavery was chosen as the Merseyside theme to coincide with the launch of the international slavewry museum at the Albert Dock.  The young people involved in the Active Citizenship Panel came up with the theme of Gun, Knife and Gang Culture, which we felt was relevant”.

Prior to this year's Awards ceremony which will take place at Philharmonic Hall, Monday 29 September, with after show party at Alma de Cuba, Clapperboard UK in partnership with its Active Citizenship Panel is holding a Careers Expo at the Maritime Museum on Friday 12 September.  The day planned is for young people involved in the project to get further careers and training information from relevant organisations throughout Merseyside.