Liverpool's First Take offers a taste of Hollywood culture

If you fancy yourself as the next Pacino, Speilberg, or Tarintino a Liverpool film production company is offering you the chance to be all three.
First Take Productions is giving local people a unique opportunity to make a one-minute movie in half a day. Local people can script, storyboard, shoot, edit and act in their own movie masterpiece – all for free.
The unique offer is part of the city’s cultural explosion on 20th August, to kick off the Capital of Culture celebrations.
It is the perfect chance for local people with a film idea or acting potential to learn new skills, be creative, develop ideas and show they’ve truly got the magic to conquer Hollywood.
The 20/08 moviemaking event is split into two sessions at First Take’s Hope St studios. There are 16 places available for the morning, and 16 places for the afternoon session. Groups will develop ideas, write scripts, act and film and see their movie come to life.
First Take’s tutors will offer expert guidance and advice - and each of the 32 participants will get a copy of their finished movie. To book one of the 32 places, it is on a first come, first served basis, call tel. 0151 708 5767.
First Take trains local people and spots and develops talent in the community. Director, Lynn Harwood, said: “We wanted to do something special for 20/08 which would allow people to express themselves, show creativity and develop new skills. The one-minute movie offer allows people to be part of the whole film making experience – from start to finish.
“And with so much talent in Liverpool, I’m really looking forward to us making some great films on 20/08. I’m sure we’ll see some real stars of the future.”
Liverpool City Council’s Creative Director Sue Woodward, said: “The chance to make a ‘mini movie’ is a fantastic addition to the 20/08 celebrations. Liverpool is the Hollywood of the North, so I’m delighted some of our talented, up-and-coming filmmakers and actors will have a chance to create a bit of movie magic on our special day.”
The growing list of events to celebrate European Capital of Culture 2008 is available on the website at www.liverpoolculture.com
(SP)