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Febuary 2009
ECHO’S “BEST ACHIVER’S” CLAPPERBOARD FILM “AFTERMATH”
TO HAVE ITS FIRST INTERNATIONAL SCREENING

A short Clapperboard film Aftermath which tackles the issue of Gun, Knife and Gang Culture has been selected for exhibition at the Tamper International Film Festival in Finland.   
Aftermath written, acted and produced by a group of young 15 year old students from Alsop Technology College in Walton, with the support of professional writer Colette Kane and Liverpool production team Handstand Productions.
The film’s main actor Anthony McKenna won a special Echo Best Achiever Award for the role he played.

Alsop Head Teacher Phil Jamieson added “We are delighted that Aftermath has been selected for such a prestigious event, it further highlights the wealth of talent we have here at Alsop. We are particularly pleased for Anthony and his achievements as he showed such hard work and commitment during this project”.

The film, one of six shorts endorsed by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, evoked an emotional response from the audience at its premiere at the Philharmonic Hall in September, picked up a Clapperboard Award for Best Script sponsored by Panavision and Lime Pictures, at the high profile Clapperboard Award Ceremony.
The prestigious young people’s award was presented by acclaimed writer Frank Cottrell Boyce (24 Hour Party People, Millions) and Brookside’s Kris Mochrie.  The winners of awards were decided by a panel of judges comprising Frank Cottrell Boyce, award winning actress, Alison Steadman and Chief Executive of Lime Pictures, Carolyn Reynolds. 

On hearing the exciting news Carolyn quoted  "I'm delighted to hear Aftermath getting the recognition it deserves.  Clearly a lot of thought went into tackling this tricky subject matter and this was backed up by some delightful performances. It reflects some of the fantastic talent we have here in Merseyside”.
Clapperboard Creator and Director Maureen Sinclair said “All Clapperboard films are distributed far and wide.  This is the first time a Clapperboard short has been selected by an International Film Festival and it’s fantastic to see  young Merseyside film-makers work receiving international recognition”.
Five Merseyside schools and Liverpool Youth Service took part in this unique film-making project from script to screen that is led by young people making their own films from their own stories. 

NOTES FOR EDITORS
Copies of films are available on DVD.
Partners and sponsors of Clapperboard Merseyside project include Capital of Culture, Bermans Solicitors, Lime Pictures, Knowsley Housing Trust, Liverpool Youth Service, Merseytravel, National Museums Liverpool, Bananafish Management, Bill Elms Associates, Pinewood Studios, ACME, Liverpool Echo, Government Office North West, Community Foundation for Merseyside, EventSinc and Forward Culture.
For further information, how to become a partner or sponsor please contact Maureen Sinclair on or telephone: 07973 783 140.

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