Connecting Notts: Behind the scenes of film

In May 2023 our brilliant Connecting Notts members put on a fantastic networking event designed to help aspiring young professionals learn all about the many different kinds of jobs available to them in the film industry.

Panellists Ben Higginson (director), Jermaine Edwards (cinematographer), Diana Ali (art curator), Chloe Martin (creative producer) and Ella Townsend (producer) spoke about their experiences and gave advice to the dozens of attendees over the evening.

Feedback from the event has included “Very well organised and felt very welcome” and “Loved it”. The young people organising the event reported that they developed “Time management, clear and professional communication skills” and “the need for clarification of roles and responsibilities” for example. A great learning and development experience for all of the young people involved. They are keen to produce more events like this in the future and build on the learning they’ve started (including undertaking Arts Award qualifications to accredit their work).

We are grateful to the Nottingham Playhouse for hosting the event in their excellent ‘company’ space which provided the perfect amount of room for the c.40 people present.

Connecting Notts is the name of the Nottingham Youth Cultural Partnership, a group of representatives from arts and youth organisations across Nottingham that we proudly support for ChalleNGe – the Nottingham Local Cultural Education Partnership. Since September 2020 we have recruited and supported 29 young people who have produced a range of events, a podcast and participated in evaluations, consultations and advocacy activities to improve the creative lives and opportunities of young people across Nottingham city.