Ricky Tomlinson, writer Elliot Hope and a team of Hollyoaks professionals from ‘behind the scenes’ delivered a masterclass to 20 young budding film makers at the launch of the new ClapperboardUK BFI Film Academy, in partnership with Lime Pictures, Toxteth TV-Splendid Things.

Twenty aspiring young filmmakers between the age of 16-19 from Merseyside had a unique opportunity to meet award winning actor Ricky Tomlinson, acclaimed writer Elliot Hope and some of creative professionals from behind the camera of award winning series Hollyoaks who offered career advice about the many roles in front of and behind the camera in roles such as acting, script-writing, directing, producing, administration, make-up, set design, costume, camera, sound, etc. during the weekend launch of Clapperboard’s BFI Academy Launch.

Acclaimed Actor Ricky Tomlinson said “I’m a big fan of Clapperboard and full of admiration for what Maureen Sinclair and her small team achieves. It’s a wonderful charity that helps to give people a voice. I’m delighted that its work has now been recognised by the BFI and look forward to seeing them nurture more of the creative talent that’s here in our city in the new BFI Clapperboard Film Academy.”

This exciting new partnership with BFI 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) in film production.

Hollyoaks Producer, Colette Chard said: “We are happy to support Clapperboard & BFI to help young people find a job in television and film production because we share the same passion for nurturing new talent. There are so many young people for whom internships are a vital first step to break into an industry that we recognise can be difficult to get into but offers a hugely rewarding, challenging and varied career. Many people might not realise the huge number of roles within television production and that not all require formal qualifications. We hope that this search attracts the wealth of talent that we have seen through our own internship scheme, which started this year”.

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.

Liverpool actor Keiron Bimpson said “I was introduced to Clapperboard UK when they worked with my school, The Academy of St Francis of Assisi. I was cast as a lead in one of their short educational films. I worked both in front and behind the camera, which taught me the fundamentals of film-making. I then won Best Actor award for my efforts, presented to me at the high profile Clapperboard Awards Ceremony. I then went on to work as a volunteer for them…. On careers advice from Maureen Sinclair, I secured an Agent and went on to work in television and film productions such as ‘Vera’, War of the Worlds, Hunter Killer with award winning actor, Gary Oldman which is about to be released in UK”.

Liverpool Deputy Mayor, Councillor Wendy Simon said “What great news both for ClapperboardUK and our city. ClapperboardUK has consistently delivered award winning projects and progressed our city’s talent into the film and creative industries. The BFI Academy will enable them to continue and formalise their excellent work and help give more opportunities to our city’s youth by way of a practical qualification. I look forward to seeing what they produce over the next 6 months.”

For further information, please contact Maureen@clapperboarduk.com or follow the link to Clapperboard UK website www.clapperboarduk.com.

Other Clapperboard UK 2018-19 partners and funders include PH Holt, Awards4All, Creative Skillset, Liverpool Film Studios, Lime Pictures, Liverpool Film Office, YOUTHBASE, Toxteth TV, Splended Things, Bill Elms Associates, Hope Street Hotel.