Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie and Daniel Radcliffe is all in a day’s work for Rawdon Hayne, freelance cinematographer and expert filmmaker. Rawdon will be sharing his vast knowledge of camerawork with Manx schoolchildren from several secondary schools on Wednesday March 27th as part of Skillset’s Masterclass programme.
Rawdon’s masterclass is one of a series of workshops across schools in Britain, each covering a different aspect of the film industry and funded by the Skillset Craft and Technical Skills Academy and managed by First Light in partnership with FILMCLUB. The event takes place 1.30pm to 3.30pm on the afternoon of Wednesday 27th March at St Ninian’s High School.
In his masterclass, Rawdon will provide a general overview of the film business from his experience as a First Assistant Cameraman and Focus Puller followed by practical demonstrations. Rawdon’s credits include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Mission: Impossible, Bridget Jones’ Diary, Hot Fuzz and Gulliver’s Travels. Rawdon is no stranger to the Island, having worked on local productions such as All the Little Animals and Chromophobia. He is also due to work briefly on the Island’s next incoming production, The Christmas Candle, starring Samantha Barks.
Running in parallel to the masterclass, Manx Arts Development (Department of Community, Culture and Leisure) have announced dates for its Easter Film School. Young people will be able to learn how to make their own films on 26 and 27 March (8-12 year olds) and the 2 and 3 April (13-16 year olds) at St Ninian’s Lower School. The tutors running the two day courses are Dave Armstrong and Christy De Haven from short film making scheme Mannin Shorts who have been working with Manx Arts Development to develop Film School. The course will provide opportunities to learn for complete beginners and those with some experience of film making already.
Laurence Skelly MHK, representing both the Departments of Economic Development and Community, Culture and Leisure, said:
“I’m delighted FILMCLUB and First Light have arranged the Skillset Masterclass workshop. The masterclass and the Easter film school run by Mannin Shorts are engaging young people from the Isle of Man and equipping them with the skills they’ll need for the future. They’ll be learning to express themselves and their culture through digital media and the arts, which we encourage as we approach our national Island of Culture year in 2014.”
John Gill, Chief Executive Officer at the Department of Education and Children said:
“Activities such as the FILMCLUB masterclass and the Easter Film School have been proven to develop children’s social and academic skills. We are very grateful to sponsors Skillset and First Light for supporting the masterclass, and to Manx Arts Development for the Film School. They are providing fantastic opportunities for our youngsters.”
Emma Callin, Community and Arts Development Manager at Department Community Culture and Leisure, said: “We continue to find that film making is hugely popular with young people and that with increased access to digital technology, film making is quite prolific on the island. Opportunities for learning about this industry are valued highly.”
Secondary school children interested in the Rawdon Hayne Masterclass should contact their school’s FILMCLUB representative as soon as possible and children wishing to enroll on the Easter Film School should apply to Manx Arts Development before 18th March 2013. Application forms can be obtained by contacting Manx Arts Development on tel: (01624) 694598 or email jan.cowan@gov.im.
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