Winners receive £1,000 and help with film production in a BT competition linked to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
South East students become film makers to inspire community change
7 Jul 2011
Students from Maidstone and Slough have won a national competition sponsored by BT to make films highlighting issues of concern where they live.
The Astor of Hever Community School in Maidstone, a member of the Get Set network, has won £1,000 and professional film production support. They also qualify for up to £5,000 and help from Unltd, a charity which supports social entrepreneurs, to turn their ideas into a community project. 12 of the finalists in the competition were members of the Get Set network.
The ‘Big Voice’ competition, which is one of three education programmes run by BT linked to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, posed two thought provoking questions for entrants. They were: If you could change one thing in your neighbourhood, what would it be? And what could you do to change it?
The Maidstone submission tackles the issue of stereotyping and will use the example of celebrity WAGs to highlight how having different tastes and styles can impact a young person’s life.
The Slough winners will be making a film tackling the emotive subject of conflict caused by race, religion and generation. Their drama will see runners competing in a running race, but with a message reminding everyone that we are all part of the human race. They will receive support to bring their ideas to life in front of the camera.
The film will be screened on giant London 2012 Live Site screens all over the UK during Spring 2012. In the South East they will be shown in Portsmouth or Dover. The top films from across the UK will be chosen to go through to the final stage of the competition – an Oscars-style ceremony to announce the UK winners just before the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games begin.
John Weaver, BT’s South East regional director, said: “It’s inspiring to see young people tackle the issues that matter to them and express themselves so passionately and creatively. The power of communication to address vital issues and make a difference in our communities is key to social cohesion and I wish all the contestants lots of luck in the future.”
The ‘Big Voice’ competition forms part of the Communication, Collaboration and Citizenship strand of Get Set, the official London 2012 education programme.
Schools and colleges that are participating in BT’s Big Voice programme are encouraged to submit an application to join the Get Set network in order to be in the best position to make the most of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
