It was a somewhat glamorous and liberating affair in Liverpool on Wednesday evening (6 March), as a host of alumni from the moving image industry attended the high-profile launch event for Clapperboard UK’s new #MeToo Media Merseyside project, in partnership with the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification).

Guests included screenwriter Matt Greenhalgh (Nowhere Boy, Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool), acclaimed writer Jonathan Harvey (Beautiful Thing, Closer to Heaven, Coronation Street) and actor Will Ash (Waterloo Road, The Tunnel).

The event, supported by the BFI, began with an introduction from Clapperboard UK’s Director Maureen Sinclair and an inspiring story from one the new young BFI Academy filmmakers of the future Anna McDermott.

Guests then enjoyed a screening of the 2017 independent British feature film Funny Cow. This was followed by a lively Q+A with star of the film, award winning British actress Maxine Peake, along with acclaimed writer Jan McVerry.

Actor Maxine Peake said “I was delighted to have an opportunity to be involved with Clapperboard UK and its launch of #MeToo Media Merseyside. The work that they do encouraging and progressing people into the industry whilst at the same time challenging prejudice through film is commendable”.

#MeToo Media Merseyside is a pioneering media project aimed at young people aged 14-26, to nurture the creative talents of this new generation. It will allow them to develop their own media website, challenging prejudices in all its forms through writing, and creating content by new voices for new voices.

David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC said: “The BBFC takes corporate social responsibility very seriously, and we’re a proud supporter of the charity and voluntary sector. Our role as a public facing regulator means we frequently work with organisations who are doing important work to support the public in a range of different fields. We are delighted to support Clapperboard UK and their project #MeToo Media Merseyside. We look forward to hearing how the project progresses.”

Clapperboard UK’s Director, Maureen Sinclair said “It never fails to amaze me the amount of industry professionals that turn up to support our small award winning charity. It was a great turnout and I’m very grateful to Maxine and Jan, my Board, our volunteer, funders and many sponsors in kind. Thanks to all for the donations raised at the screening for this year’s Clapperboard Youth Project.”