Sixty Second Snapshots Capture Local Characters for Short Film Collection

A short film competition has produced a series of sixty second films featuring some of north Devon's most interesting characters. North Devon Moving Image (NDMI) ran the Short Shorts competition to encourage local people to submit their own contributions to the community film making organisation's collection. The first prize went to Jason Parker for his film Why Paint? featuring local artist Derek Spencer. BBC Radio Devon presenter Judi Spiers was one of the judges. She chose Jason's film for her shortlist saying "Great use of music complimenting the elemental shots ... that and such a personal story really created a mood - not always easy in such a short amount of time." Second prize, a night out at The George Hotel in South Molton, went to Alice Bollen for her one minute film about Stephen Perham, Clovelly Harbour Master and fisherman. Alice says she chose Stephen as her subject "because he has such an interesting life. Stephen represents many generations; past, present and future, whose work is part of the fabric of rural North Devon tradition. I wanted to convey the feeling that for Stephen, bringing in the catch was as normal and everyday as driving to and from the office is for others." In third place was Oscar Adams's Short Short about Torrington's town crier and erstwhile Amsterdam drag queen Big Al, winning tickets to Bideford Cinema. Judge Joel Cooper, Head of Content at the North Devon Journal said of Oscar's film " talk about a colourful character! I loved the little snippets in to this man’s fascinating life and would be eager to hear more." Coming fourth was a group of talented young film makers from Goodleigh Primary School who produced a charming profile of their school's postman Chris. The children said: "We chose Chris as our colourful character because he delivers our post everyday, and always says "good morning" with a smile. We thought it was really cool that he is a volunteering DJ on the voice. It was really kind of him to let us come and see what he does. He also makes curries to help raise money for charities; he has cooked curry for our school to raise money which helped us to go on more school trips. When we went to his house it was filled with the scent of spices! Something else we found interesting about Chris was his Lotus because not many postmen, DJs have a flashy car in Barnstaple! He is an all round soulful person!" Thanks to North Devon Theatres the children and their teacher, Miss Grant, will be going to see this year's panto Jack and the Beanstalk for their prize. The Short Shorts collection is available to view on the Films page of the North Devon Moving Image website. Keep an eye out for our next competition coming early next year!

 Amanda McCormack and Peter Jewell present first prize to Derek Spencer who collected on behalf of Jason Parker

 Still image from Why Paint? by Jason Parker showing artist Derek Spencer

The Winners:

• First Prize - Sony Handycam from J&A Cameras - Why Paint? by Jason Parker
• Second Prize - a night out at The George in South Molton - Stephen Perham by Alice Bollen
• Third Prize - Bideford Cinema tickets - Big Al by Oscar Adams
• Fourth Prize - tickets to North Devon Theatres Panto - Chris the Postie by Goodleigh Primary School

The Judges:

• Judi Spiers - BBC Radio Devon
• Jo Stewart-Smith - Independent Film Producer
• Joel Cooper - Head of Content, North Devon Journal
• Peter Jewell - Co-Founder, Bill Douglas Cinema Collection 

Photos copyright NDMI (All rights reserved)

Young People Air their Views on the News at Video Production Workshops in Barnstaple

A weekend of video production workshops at St Anne's Arts and Community Centre in Barnstaple gave local youngsters the chance to air their views on today's news. Under the guidance of community film makers North Devon Moving Image (NDMI) two production teams (aged 8-11 and 12-16) researched and developed their programmes from script to screen in a single day. The resulting 'What the Papers Say' style short films see the young TV presenters discussing topics ranging from World War One to breast cancer awareness. Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of NDMI, was proud to present the crews with DVD copies of their short films at a screening event last Friday (21 November 2014) at St Anne's. "It was fascinating to hear what young people today make of what is going on in their world." said Amanda "I was really impressed at how seriously each member of the team took their role, whether it was in front of or behind the camera. I really think we may have some future media stars in our sights here!" St Anne's Manager, Dion Sears, received funding from the Davie Barnstaple Trust to run the workshops. “This has been a fantastic project and one which we would like to repeat each year." says Dion "Giving young people new creative opportunities is a really important part of the programme at St Anne’s. It’s great that the young people who took part can continue to meet at our monthly youth film club which is free, come along too everyone is welcome!” 

You can watch the films - North Devon News and Youth Comments - via the Films page of the North Devon Moving Image website.

Photos copyright NDMI (All rights reserved)

Company gives backing to local wildlife haven

An award winning national property company has added its support to one of Exeter's most precious havens for wildlife. The company, Renaissance Villages, has generously donated £1,500 to leading local conservation charity Devon Wildlife Trust to help with the vital upkeep of its Old Sludge Beds nature reserve. The reserve occupies wildlife rich reed beds, woodland and ponds on the banks of the River Exe close to the city's Countess Weir Swing Bridge. Matt Boydell, Devon Wildlife Trust's Nature Reserve Manager, welcomed the news of backing from Renaissance Villages: 'Our 49 nature reserves are some of the most beautiful and important green spaces remaining for Devon's people and wildlife. Old Sludge Beds may not have the most picturesque name, but it is a vital place for some wonderful wildlife including otters, warblers, dragonflies and bats. And, because it is close to Exeter and next to the busy Exeter Canal bike path, the reserve is also very popular with visitors.' Matt continued: 'Keeping nature reserves in tip-top condition for people and wildlife takes up a great amount of time and money for our charity so help from Renaissance Villages is very welcome news. Their support will be used to manage this delicate wetland reserve, maintaining its water levels, repairing its well-trodden boardwalks and improving it as a great home for wildlife.' Renaissance Villages specialises in high quality, age-exclusive homes for discerning buyers set within new private village communities. The company's luxury development on Topsham Road in Exeter, Millbrook Village, is within walking distance of the Old Sludge Beds nature reserve. Commenting on the company's new relationship with Devon Wildlife Trust and its Exeter nature reserve, Renaissance Villages Managing Director, Iwan Jones, said: 'We are delighted to support Devon Wildlife Trust and contribute towards the conservation of the Old Sludge Beds. It's wonderful to have a nature reserve so close to Millbrook Village and we know the fascinating site will be of great interest to our residents.' Devon Wildlife Trust is delighted to welcome Renaissance Villages as a corporate supporter, joining the ranks of more than 40 Devon companies who are backing the charity. Iwan Jones commented: 'It is very important to Renaissance Villages that we build a strong relationship with the local community in Exeter, and we're really proud to be supporting Devon Wildlife Trust. We greatly admire the organisation's work, which is so vital both for the region's wildlife and its people.' Devon Wildlife Trust's Old Sludge Beds nature reserve is free to enter and open 365 days a year. 

New corporate and individual supporters make a great deal of difference to the charity's work and details are available from www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Devon Wildlife Trust's Old Sludge Beds nature reserve has received a significant boost from property company Renaissance Villages.' Photo copyright DWT (All Rights Reserved)