Young film crew are set for starring role

Apr 23 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

YOUNG film-makers will have the chance to produce their own movie thanks to a grant from the National Lottery.

The £5000 award to local theatre group, Firefly, is part of a fund organised by First Light Movies, which distributes £1.1 million of National Lottery money each year to help young people aged five to 19 make their own films.

The budding film-makers will work with professionals from the film industry to make their film ‘Paperboy’.

The film will tell the story of Joe, a determined paperboy who is hampered by various obstacles in attempt to deliver his mail.

So he enlists the help of his friend P who designs an array of gadgets to help him complete his round.

Len McCaffer, who will manage the project, said he is delighted Firelfy, formerly West Lothian Youth Theatre, has been awarded the funding.

He said: “I’m really pleased for the group. They have come up with a strong, humorous story and already have an idea how they want the film to look.”

Not only will the group of seven actors, aged 11 and 12, work alongside a film crew, they will also act alongside professional actors and work with an art designer helping make P’s gadgets become a reality.

The young Livingston movie makers will be involved with every aspect of the production process.

First Light Movies acting chief executive officer, Leigh Thomas, said he is looking forward to seeing the end result.

Leigh said: “First Light Movies is funding some amazing stories that tackle the important issues that are relevant to all young people today.”