Active Local Cowley Hill Inspire the Next Generation of Film Industry Workers

A group of 17 students from community organisation Empower Youth Ventures were thrown into the film industry and given an unforgettable 3-hour experience learning about the roles, technology and processes involved in making films. The group were split into two, to complete pre-production where they were assigned their industry roles and planned their film scenes. Using the state-of-the-art Extended Reality (XR) studio, students brought part of their film idea to life for their own pitch film. They gained first-hand experience of the extensive capabilities of XR. They were shown career pathways through a series of games and activities. The groups received an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Elstree Studios. The experience finished with a viewing of their film pitch outputs on the big screen before wrapping up for the day. 

Jane Parker, Active Local Cowley Hill Project Officer said:  

Thanks to Sky Up Academy Studios Elstree for offering this fantastic opportunity to Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) free of charge and for allowing the Active Local Cowley Hill initiative a chance to help us build stronger relationships with a new and promising community organisation. We are excited to continue to work with and support Empower Youth Ventures as they begin their journey making a difference to young people in Borehamwood.

Anthony McEyeson, from Empower Youth Ventures expressed his sincere thanks: 

I’m genuinely excited for what it means for the young people involved. It’s not just about sport, it’s about opening their eyes to new possibilities, building confidence, and inspiring them across all areas of life. 
Thanks again for helping make this happen. I see this as the start of something special. 
Since my introduction to Active Local Cowley Hill things have progressed for our organisation and I’m honoured to be part of a community that wants to help the young thrive.

Participants Ingrid and Aimee had a great day and shared how they felt. Ingrid said:  

I enjoyed the experience here, it was really bright and fun, everyone was really welcoming. We learnt different aspects of the film industry and career options for working in film. 

I've really enjoyed today because I’m going to University in September and what we have learnt and done today is related to my course. It has given me some great experience that I can use for when I start looking to get a job.

Aimee, 19. 

HSP will continue to target opportunities within Cowley Hill as this feeds into our wider Sport England Supported Places work. As the Active Local programme continues to grow, further opportunities are being explored to support community clubs and groups with opportunities and connections like this to help them thrive. 

To learn more about Active Local and how your organisation can get involved, visit www.sportinherts.org.uk/active-local.