Movie-making workshops

BUDDING filmmakers are being given the chance to learn how to create their own short movies in a series of workshops run by Shetland Arts.

The arts development agency is holding three sessions at Mareel in Lerwick in the lead-up to this year’s Screenplay festival on how to make short films with as little as a mobile phone.

The Just Do It workshops will be held on 16/23 April and 7 May, with tutors Simon Thompson and Mike Guest on hand to give advice on everything from plot development to using editing software.

Those taking part in the sessions will get the chance to present their work at the popular Home Made night at the Screenplay event, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in August and September.

Thompson runs local business Ronas Media and he has been involved in the UK film and television sector for 14 years.

He has worked for the the likes of BBC and ITV, as well as mentoring Shetland collective Maddrim Media.

Scottish media man Mike Guest has previously worked on assignment for Shetland Folk Festival and Promote Shetland, while he also has experience of filming in New Zealand.

Screenplay director Kathy Hubbard said she would like to see amateur filmmakers take up the chance to gain expert insight ahead of the festival.

“I hope this will encourage people to pick up that iPhone, tablet or camera and see what they can do – maybe we will have some newcomers showing their short films at Screenplay this year,” she said.