12 young budding Merseyside filmmakers had the exciting opportunity of meeting acclaimed Liverpool actor Josh Bolt (Nowhere Boy, Last Tango in Halifax, Catch 22) when he presented them with a BFI (British Film Institute) Certificate at the recent Premiere of their short films held at picturehouse@fact. The short films were produced by young people as part of Clapperboard UK’s partnership with the BFI Film Academy, Department for Education and supported by the Liverpool Film Office, Lime Pictures and the Liverpool Film Studios.

This is the second successful year that ClapperboardUK has worked with BFI and Department for Education which enables Clapperboard UK to formalise its successful model in progressing young people in to the creative industries by offering the NCFE (National Certificate of Further Education).

Clapperboard UK is passionate about creating training and employment opportunities for young people and their communities, some with complex needs, learning disabilities or mental health issues, who may not have had opportunities due to being isolated from main stream education. Many of our students have succeeded in paid employment opportunities in the creative industries, including roles behind the camera at Hollyoaks.

Hollyoaks Producer, Colette Chard said: “ClapperboardUK’s Youth Project encourages young talent and gives them a voice and an amazing opportunity to take the first steps to achieve their ambition within the film and TV industry. Lime Pictures is a long-time supporter of ClapperboardUK and we enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with their projects to ensure the continuing development of emerging talent.

Acclaimed Actor Josh Bolt said “ClapperboardUK is a charity close to my heart. It’s fantastic what they are doing for young people from this City and the opportunities that they give them. It is so important for their future. It is really remarkable what Maureen (Sinclair) and Colin (Farrell) achieve. If I was a teenager starting out I would definitely want to be part of the Merseyside BFI Film Academy!’.

For further information about joining Merseyside BFI Film Academy please contact Maureen@clapperboarduk.com or follow the link to Clapperboard UK website www.clapperboarduk.com.

Clapperboard UK 2019-20 partners and funders include PH Holt, Liverpool Film Studios, Lime Pictures, Liverpool Film Office, Bill Elms Associates, Liverpool Echo, Hope Street Hotel, Hope University Capstone Theatre, Picturehouse@fact, Frederiks, Ma Boyles, Homework.