In Lancashire Telegraph.
Young thespians to get famous support
CELEBRITIES from across the North West will be supporting budding actors of the future by getting involved in the East Lancashire Film Festival being held at Accrington and Rossendale College next week.
The prestigious annual event will see a whole host of events taking place at the college’s new Coppice Theatre on the main campus.
They will include film screenings, workshops and masterclasses with stars of stage and screen, guest speakers and an awards evening in conjunction with the British Film Academy.
Stars
already lined up to take part include Julie Hesmondhalgh, who plays Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, Joe Alessi, the award-winning West End star, Michael Booth,
independent film-maker
, writer,
producer
) and director
, and Ursula Haworth, the BAFTA award-winning assistant director of films such as Max and Paddy, The Street and Born and Bred.
Wednesday will see the culmination of the East Lancashire Film Festival competition, which the college has been running in conjunction with the renowned British Youth Film Academy.
For the past few months aspiring young film-makers from across the region have been producing their own films on a comic book theme, and the winners of each category will be presented with prizes and get to see a special screening of their films.
Festival organiser Stephen Murphy said: “This is a fantastic event with big-name stars and a chance to get up-close and personal with some of the most successful people in the film industry.
“We are thrilled to be holding it at the college as it cements our status as one of the leading media centres in the area.”
While some of the activities are for students only, a number of high-profile events are open to the general public. These are:
Tuesday 10am to 1pm – Guest speaker Kirsty Fairclough, a regular speaker at Manchester’s Cornerhouse and lecturer on media and performance at Salford University, talks on the superhero/sci fi genre, followed by a film screening. Tickets £2.
Tuesday 7pm to 8.30pm – Julie Hesmondhalgh interview followed by question and answer session. Tickets £2.
Wednesday 6.30pm to 8pm – “Oscars” night in which young film-makers show off their films on a “heroes” theme, followed by prize presentation. Admission free.
Thursday 7pm to 8.45pm – Masterclass with Joe Alessi giving an insight into the art of the stage. Tickets £2.
To book tickets for any of these events call Kay Aspinall at the college on 354097.