Hollywood turns up for Birmingham young people

Young people from Fairbridge West Midlands met Kevin Spacey at the Fairbridge Film and Animation Awards recently. The Artistic Director of the Old Vic theatre presented an award at the event held at the BFI IMAX cinema in London. Now in its third year, the Awards, supported by Bank of America, showcased films written, directed and produced by Fairbridge young people.

Seven young people from the Birmingham area – Adam, 19, Danny, 17, Tom, 19, Carl, 22, Joleen, 20, Aaron, 18 and Abi, 16 - beat off fierce competition from other Fairbridge teams throughout the UK to win a place at the Awards where they unveiled their film ‘Fairwitch’ – a humorous take on the classic horror film. Fairbridge worked in partnership with Pimlico TV & Film Ltd to produce the film.

Other presenters on the night included Deborah Meaden (Dragons’ Den) and John Lloyd (Producer of Spitting Image, Not the 9 O’clock News and QI). HRH, Princess Alexandra, was also in attendance.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families opened the event where awards included, Best Reality TV, Best Soap Opera, Best Documentary, Best Animation and Best Comedy.

Kevin Spacey, star of American Beauty and Usual Suspects, said, ““It has been a fantastic and eye-opening evening. It’s clear that Fairbridge plants those first seeds a young person needs to find their own self-esteem and the confidence to do great things. Bank of America talks about the “bank of opportunity” - we have seen on the big screen tonight what young people can achieve when Fairbridge gives them the right opportunities and support.”

Ed Balls, Secretary of State, said, “Organisations such as Fairbridge do a fantastic job in helping and supporting young people but the real winners tonight are the young people who have produced such impressive films. I know they will have learnt technical skills and how to work in a team – but I also hope they have had fun and that they have a real sense of achievement. I’d like to pass on my congratulations and admiration to them.”

James Buchanan, Marketing and Corporate Affairs Executive, Bank of America, said, "We are delighted to have supported the Fairbridge Film and Animation awards; a unique initiative providing young people from across the UK with the opportunity to explore issues that are of importance to them in a creative way.”

Carl, 22, Fairbridge West Midlands young filmmaker, said, “I loved making ‘Fairwitch’. Everyone learned so much during this project. It was good to have a picture in our heads and then actually get to carry our ideas out and make them into a real film. It was really exciting to meet Kevin Spacey too!”

Another young Fairbridge filmmaker, Joleen, 20, enthused, “I really enjoyed making ‘Fairwitch’. I never thought I’d be able to stand up in front of a camera and act but it was a great experience and it has really improved my confidence. Fairbridge has shown me that there can be another way – it gives young people something to do rather than getting involved with drugs, alcohol, or violence on the streets. You always know that there’s someone there to talk to at Fairbridge, about anything and everything. It was brilliant to know that Kevin Spacey watched our film tonight!”

Claire Rigby, Manager of Fairbridge West Midlands, based in Warwick Street, said: "Tonight has been an amazing experience for all the young people involved. It is a big deal for them to have their achievements recognised. The idea of Fairbridge courses and projects like this one is to look at how we can support and help young people make better choices and lead more positive lives so that they can go on to re-engage with education or employment. Meeting Kevin Spacey has been the ultimate reward for their hard work.”