News > 2009

7th September 2009

ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR, MICHAEL HINES LEADS FILM MAKING WORKSHOP ON SKYE

FilmG’s weekend workshop that took place at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the Isle of Skye over Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September was a resounding success, with more than 23 budding film makers in attendance.

Michael Hines
Director Michael Hines

Acclaimed director of drama and comedy, Michael Hines, who has directed Still Game and River City, joined the panel of tutors to share his experience and expertise.

The FilmG team, in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) also welcomed actor, scriptwriter and UWS lecturer Stuart Hepburn as a tutor at the workshop.

FilmG is MG ALBA’s innovative Gaelic media shorts competition which was launched last year to uncover and encourage new creative talent towards opportunities in the Gaelic media industry.

Commenting on the weekend Michael Hines said “I thoroughly enjoyed teaching on this course, the students were so keen to learn and there was a great buzz during the weekend.”

Alongside Michael Hines and Stuart Hepburn were, professional tutors Amanda Millen, Screen & Broadcast Industries development manager for Highlands & Islands Enterprise, sound recordist Becky Thomson, cameraman Keith Ingram and production co-ordinator Mairi ‘Ord’ MacKenzie.

The aim of the weekend workshop was to give new film makers grounding in how to make a three to five minute short as well as building the participants’ confidence to take on their own projects. As well as providing new skills, the weekend gave participants the chance to share their ideas and even work in collaboration with each other.

With 12 of last year’s participants winning prizes in FilmG 2008, and the level of interest received at the workshop, it is hoped that this year’s group will be as, if not more successful.

Annette Kerr attended the FilmG workshops in 2008 and was runner-up in the documentary category at the FilmG awards:

“Last year filmmaking was all new to me, so it was great to do the workshops again so I could refresh my skills and make useful contacts. I can’t wait to make my next film!”

FilmG will be holding more workshops over the coming weeks including story and script development days and front of camera workshops for Gaelic speakers. FilmG also launched a new initiative this year, TàlantG which seeks to encourage non-Gaelic speaking filmmakers to enter the competition. TàlantG includes a bank of Gaelic speakers who are willing to help non-Gaelic speakers with different aspects of their films. You can read more about TàlantG and other training opportunities on the FilmG website www.filmg.co.uk.

FilmG students
FilmG students Margaret Jane Mason and Duncan Berndt get to grips with the camera