The award winning PIER PRESSURE project explored teenage life using drama to create three short films written and produced by young people.

Funded by a Department for Children, Schools and Families MEDIA BOX grant and an National Lottery Awards 4 All grant, over 30 young people from Bournemouth worked alongside experienced film makers to create 3 films capturing their seaside lifestyle. Each film explores the pressures they face growing up as the local tourist industry shapes their future.

PIER PRESSURE created an innovative media environment through 6 unique stages: (1) sharing workshop - enabled all adults to share ideas and explore equipment creating a safe project environment; (2) script development – turned their ideas into scripts; (3) active learning – working as part of a team to produce the films; (4) creative learning – work with an editor to cut their films and composing the sound tracks; (5) event management – planning a premiere at the Bournemouth International Centre for over 1000 guests; (6) marketing – the young people were interviewed by Fire FM, Hope FM and the Echo, among many other media.

The project was not just about making a short film, at the very outset, the team developed a project which offered, not only the young people a significant creative media experience, but also provided an opportunity for the adults to learn and share in the experience. 

The project team worked with the young people to develop, fund and manage an Oscar themed premiere and awards ceremony.  Hosted by the Bournemouth International Centre, over 1000 guests in black-tie (including 600 young people many wearing black-tie for the first time) gathered with the Mayor of Bournemouth and other celebrities to celebrate the achievements of the young people.  With a live performance from ex-Steps singer Lee Latchford-Evans, a Fire FM party, Big Brother stars and compared by the Channel 4 voice-over man – the evening was a great success and gave everyone a memorable experience.

Included within the project was on-going support; since the end of the project White Lantern Film has provided:

• 3 work experience placements
• Support to 2 applications to further education
• Mentored 2 young people on MyMediaBox funded projects

Examples of skills gained include:

• Filmmaking
• Team Work
• Creative Writing
• Artistic Expression
• Problem Solving

Pier Pressure was an innovative project providing an holistic approach to inspiring the next generation of film makers.  To watch the films please visit the project web site at www.whitelantern.co.uk/pierpressure