Free Media Skills Workshops for Young People Delivered with CBeyond
Published March 1, 2024
During February half term 2024, Exeter Phoenix delivered free media workshops to young people aged 11-17 in partnership with CBeyond, funded by The National Lottery as part of their Million Hours project and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). These highly popular workshops were the latest in a series which also offered free animation sessions over the Summer holidays.
Over the course of the four workshops, the young people were engaged in learning how to use professional video production kit including cameras, microphones and lights to record their own video content. They then had the opportunity to edit their videos together with effects, sounds and music using professional editing software in the Exeter Phoenix media suite.
Several of the workshops were games content focussed, taking place at the Glitch eSports Arena, Exeter. The lucky participants on these courses also claimed a free 1 month membership to the eSports arena where they could try out their new video content making skills, alongside state-of-the-art gaming technology.
Every young person created something they could share with the group, a key objective of each workshop. Tutor Sam Cook, said:
"It’s been fantastic to be able to provide these sought-after half term activities for free, all thanks to the fund, our tutors, and collaborators!
The young people who attended had a great time, and it was brilliant to see them all learn future career skills whilst meeting new people and most importantly, having fun!'
Open to all, the principal aim underpinning the project is to provide additional hours of activities for young people at risk of anti-social behaviour. St Davids ward, that Exeter Phoenix calls home, was identified as a focus area for the project by its funders.
Following the success of the sessions more workshops are planned for Spring 2024, with dates to be announced later this month.
