Inclusive Smartphone Workshop in Byron Bay for Northern Rivers teenagers

Media release 21 November 2022

 Free Inclusive Smartphone Filmmaking Program for Northern Rivers Teenagers

 Award-winning inclusive filmmaking organisation Bus Stop Films, together with SF3 SmartFone Flick Fest, Screenworks and SAE Creative Media Institute are hosting a free inclusive smartphone filmmaking program for teenagers (13-17) in the 2023 school holidays.

 Participants keen to learn about smartphone filmmaking can apply to attend 3 full day workshops at SAE’s Byron Bay campus at 373 Ewingsdale Road and work together on a film project in January. The film will then be screened at a fun and inclusive screening event in April.

 The program for up to 15 participants aged 13 to 17 years old, will be taught by leading smartphone filmmaker Angela Blake, Director of the SF3 SmartFone Flick Fest. Participants will learn about filmmaking techniques, scripting, lighting and sound and how to make AMAZING films using only their smartphones!  The group will also work together with local professionals to make a film. Angela says “ I am continually blown away by the creativity and talent of our next generation of filmmakers and I can not wait to see what the teenagers of the Northern Rivers create through this Program.”

 Bus Stop’s CEO “Tracey Corbin-Matchett says “Young people are innately creative and we are so thrilled to be taking the bus to Northern Rivers. We have a wonderful relationship with Screenworks and to be delivering such a great program for teens with their support together with the assistance of SAE is just brilliant.”

 Bus Stop Films is passionate about inclusive filmmaking and teens living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Participants selected must be available to attend all 3 workshops and the shoot day.

 Workshop 1 -16 January 2023 9.30am to 3.30pm

Workshop 2 – 17 January 2023 9.30am to 3.30pm

Workshop 3 – 18 January 2023 9.30am to 3.30pm

Shoot day – 20 January 2023 – full day.

Screening Event: Evening of Sunday 23 April 2023

 Ken Couch, Screenworks CEO says “We’re always delighted to be partnering with Bus Stop Films on this initiative. Our Northern Rivers community has faced some tough times of late and it is often through creativity and storytelling that we can come together in a positive way. This is a brilliant opportunity for local teens to learn new skills and tell their stories.”

Applications will be assessed and up to 15 places will be offered. To apply to take part in the Program – please visit https://busstopfilms.com.au/northern-rivers-smartphone/ for all the info and to complete the application form. Applications close – 6th December 2022.

 Ben Funnell, Campus Manager, SAE Byron Bay states “We’re excited to see the Program coming to our region. Workshops like this in smartphone filmmaking are a brilliant gateway to further creative studies and employment opportunities in the screen industry.”

 The smartphone filmmaking program is part of the Holiday Break program supported by the Office for Regional Youth in partnership with Create NSW.

 For more information please email hello@busstopfilms.com.au