LIGHTS, camera, action - and a chance for a career in filmmaking thanks to a trailblazing project.

Nine students from Thomas, Lord Audley School in Colchester, who took part in a film competition, have learnt valuable new filmmaking skills and will receive specialist mentoring support from an award-winning filmmaker.

The competition, set-up by film website Screen Innovation, in association with award-winning feature filmmaker Dominic Morgan, was organised to encourage the future generation of filmmakers in Colchester to believe they can also make commercially successful films.

Each student enthusiastically embraced the challenge of producing a two-minute film or documentary about their experiences during lockdown.

They learnt how to film, edit, add music and incorporate special effects, all from home, using online guidance provided by a team of filmmaking judges.

This enabled them to create high quality productions which reflected the challenges and joys they experienced when the toughest restrictions were in place.

One of the children said: “I made a film using pictures I took of my friends and family on my phone before lockdown and it reflected how much I missed them during the restrictions.

“I really enjoyed making the film because it made me realise how much I love and appreciate them all, more than ever.”

Other students said they enjoyed learning new skills and discovering they had a talent for techniques they had never tried before, such as editing.

The competition was won by two 12-year-old boys who used special effects, graphics and a strong humorous narrative throughout the movie.

The film featured the main activities they enjoyed during lockdown, such as playing football, messing around in the park together and spending time with their pets.

The winners were rewarded with a signed poster by footballing legend Gary Lineker and an exclusive Marvel poster which features some of the main characters from the movie, such as Iron Man and Captain America as well as free cinema tickets.

But perhaps the biggest prize was that all the filmmakers will receive mentoring time with Mr Morgan to learn more about what it takes to become an award-winning filmmaker.

Mr Morgan, who created the feature film Faith in Colchester, which has won awards from around the world, said he was impressed with the high level of filming talent demonstrated by the students.

“I am inspired when I see young people expressing themselves through the medium of film,” he said.

“To me, a great film is all about emotion and it was lovely to see this coming through with the use of emotive visuals and accompanying music.

“These filmmakers have tried a number of different techniques, which reveal their talent. I have awarded them all with certificates and I’m looking forward to what they can achieve in the future.

“It’s so easy to make and edit films these days with the camera on your phone.

“I’m a big fan of resource-based filmmaking. All you have to do is get a group of friends together to make your movie. Just go out there and try it, like these guys did. I can’t wait to help them further.”

Keyinde Ajayi, an experienced multimedia tutor of children from disadvantaged backgrounds, was also one of the judges in the competition.

She said: “I was absolutely blown away by the entries, the high standard of the films and the thought processes that went into them.

“You could see how hard they worked on the productions. It wasn’t just a matter of putting a few images together and that was it.

“There were clear narratives at the beginning of many of the films and some kept you in suspense.

“Others made you go away and think about the messages they were trying to generate for you.

“ Most evoked strong emotions. Overall, I was proud of what they achieved and they made me smile.”

Kimberley Lawrence-Brown, an English teacher at TLA, said the competition has really helped to develop the self-esteem of some of the children.

Gazette: Kimberley Lawrence, who is an English teacher at TLA and the person who co-ordinated the whole film competition inside the school.

“This competition was special for the pupils at TLA because it was exclusive to the school. Most of the time they can only take part in national competitions, or challenges with other schools. You can see that the whole experience of making the films has boosted their self-belief and confidence, which is really important for some of these children - especially those who have been isolated during lockdown.

“It made them appreciate their life more and kept them active when they were stuck at home. I can’t wait for the next competition.”

Esme, aged 13, who was one of the organisers of the competition at the school and presents film reviews about the latest movies every week on Colne Radio said: “I have been making films for a few years now using iMovie and I wanted to share the fun of it with my friends at school. So, I suggested the idea of running a film competition at TLA to Dad, the Editor of Screen Innovation, and I’m delighted that some of my friends took part.

“I’m very impressed with the high quality productions they have produced and I’m also really pleased the experience brought them all so much joy.”

Screen Innovation plans to organise a competition soon for all young filmmakers in the area. To take part, go to screeninnovation.co.uk/filmcompetition.