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February 2009 GOVERNMENT HOME SECRETARY JACQUI SMITH BACKS CLAPPERBOARD YOUTH PROJECT

Secretary Jacqui Smith supports young film-makers tackling issues of Gun, Knife and Gang Culture in Greater Manchester.
Local Production Company, Bakermedia (BBC, PRANK PATROL) is at the helm teaching young people how to produce their own short film.  The young film-makers are from St Ambrose and St George’s Schools in Salford.  Professional Writers’ Christopher Green, Louis Loizou, Sophia Rashid and Parvez Qadir, are working with the young film-makers who are tackling gun, knife and gang culture, to develop their ideas into a five minute short film. 
Organiser and Director of Clapperboard UK, Maureen Sinclair said:
 “There has been much interest in the subject of this year’s films for obvious reasons.  The young people involved in the project not only have the opportunity of being creative, but can learn about serious issues that affect their lives and their communities”.

Clapperboard UK’s film-making youth project is now in its sixth year working with young people across the North West.  The project is non-profit making and we rely totally on partnerships, funding and sponsorship.
This year’s partners and sponsors to date include Panavision, British Board of Film Classification, University of Salford, Bermans Solicitors, Salford City Council, Central Salford Urban Regeneration, Bill Elms Associates, Banana Fish Management, Pinewood Studios, Channel M, Forward Culture and EventSinc.
Award Winning Actor and writer, Craig Cash from BAFTA winning television show The Royle Family will judge the short films with acclaimed writer Paul Abbott and Head of Red Productions Nicola Shindler.  There will be a high profile premiere of the short films on Monday 20 April, 7pm at the Lowry’s Quay’s Theatre to celebrate the young film-makers achievements.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said…
 “Celebrating the achievements of young people and ensuring that they can participate in the public debates on guns, knives and gangs is absolutely key to making them part of the problem – and it is young people like those who have taken part in this programme who can help change that perception.

If you’re interested in this year’s project, how to become a partner or sponsor please contact Maureen Sinclair on or telephone: 07973 783 140.

Notes for Editors.

Photographs and interviews available.
Contact Maureen Sinclair on mobile no: 07973 783 140

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