Budding film producers set the scene

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay through the eyes of five potential new producers. That is what the residents of the town can look forward to during September.

Five unique videos, featuring gems of the town, will not only have interesting footage, but also stories which may never have been told before.

The videos were made by five youngsters, aged 16 to 18 years, from different areas and backgrounds. They were chosen from thousands of potential participants.

Nikita Bodill (Voorbaai), Dané Prins (Fairview), Ayabonga Hlumkeza (Albert Luthuli), Chantè Buys (Heiderand) and Luthando Mzayifani (Asla) were sent into the town, armed with their smartphones and told to use their imagination in capturing its uniqueness.

After the initial let loose, the participants had a two-day training workshop organised by the Garden Route Film Office.

The purpose of the workshop was to equip them with knowledge of the various aspects of the industry as well as with writing and editing skills.

Trainers Laetitia Cunningham and Everlyn Bredenkamp covered topics such as finance and writing for the communication industry, while the two editors, Randan Potts and Kelvin Claassen, presented camera and editing skills.

Kelvin analyzed their recorded footage and based on their level of skills, he gave each one feedback on how to improve. He mainly focused on how to frame, keeping the camera stable, panning and zooming. The creative skills of each participant were embraced and tips were given on how to enhance them. After the feedback the "students" were tasked to go home, to reshoot and resubmit their improved footage.

Randan introduced them to the most preferred editing software in the industry. They were shown how to import footage and how to use the available tools. They were also shown how to add or remove music and additional layers of videos to their project.

"You have been chosen from thousands of potential candidates and you now need to embrace this opportunity. Engage and speak to the youth. Tell them that they also can make a contribution to society. Grab every opportunity and showcase our town," town councillor Venolea Fortuin said as she wished the participants well after the workshop.

Although it was evident that the participants had no training or experience, they all had the desire to expand and grow their skills. This workshop enabled them with basic knowledge on editing, screenwriting, being a videographer or a director.

Young creatives who attended the first Garden Route Film Office workshop in Mossel Bay. Photo: Megan Cunningham Photography