CommIT Video Project "really inspired" the young people involved.

Jennifer Cooper, 22/02/2008 - 10:22

CommIT student volunteers are currently in the process of helping to create a video documentary about young people and homelessness in Blackpool. The video project, in association with Blackpool Foyer Housing, is providing a great opportunity for young people in supported housing to create a video about their experiences.

The volunteers on the video project are currently working with a group of  young people living in Blackpool Foyer, a supported housing provider for people aged 16-25 in the Blackpool area. The young people have made all the decisions about what they want the video to be about, who to interview and what they are asked. It has provided them with the opportunity to use and develop their skills and learn new ones, especially when it comes to the video editing.

Bobby, one of the Blackpool Foyer residents involved with the project, said "Joining the media project has helped me learn about camera angles and panning. I enjoyed filming interviews of the staff and discussing where and how we should film. I never realised how much hard work it was directing a scene, I had to think what needed to be seen and heard on the camera. Every credit to the girls!" The volunteers have been on hand to help with the filming, assist with the development of ideas and encourage the young people to get involved as much as possible.

Antony, another of the project participants, said "The video project really interested me. The whole concept of the project really inspired me to want to do more things in the future. And I would like to thank the whole of Lancaster University for giving me the chance to do something like this."

The participants hope the video will help to make people more aware of the issues that are faced by young people in Blackpool and to break down the stereotypes that are often associated with those who are homeless or living in supported housing.

Hopefully once the video is completed there will be a screening of it at Lancaster University, giving the young people a chance to visit the campus and show off their film!