Future young filmmakers have reveled in the advice and direction of one of Australian television's familiar faces.
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Ben Barber, former Neighbours star and NIDA graduate together with Matt Jelly from Off the Beaten Track productions, took Griffith Regional Theatre students through a two day, jam-packed course in short film making.
Students learnt skills and practical knowledge for how to bring an idea to life through the detailed process of writing, shooting and editing a short film.
The two day workshop began with understanding the basics of camera work, how to brainstorm ideas and storyboarding. The second day saw all students take their film ideas and act in, shoot and edit their own short film at the Pioneer Park Musuem.
Seventeen year old Leeton High School student Lewis Cain-McAliece, a participant on the day explained that he even though he wasn't familiar with Mr Barber's television career he felt really lucky to learn from his wealth of experience.
"I've learned how to train my voice for film, and how to use my presence in the room with the troupe," Lewis said.
"It's been an amazingly deep insight into every facet of how film and TV are actually made.
"I have to say I am really lucky to have someone like Ben and Matt to show me all of this." Lewis added.
Mr Barber remembers how important it was for him to have exposure to theatre productions and expertise as a young person growing up in Warnambool, Victoria.
"Having access to workshops as a kid was really inspiring," Mr Barber said.
"Just having that fresh insight into the industry beyond your home town stretches your imagination and gets you thinking about what is possible." Mr Barber said.
Bonnie Owen, troupe coordinator at The Griffith Regional Theatre explained that if young people can learn to express themselves artistically this can strengthen their mental health and self confidence. Theatre and film can help a young person develop, connect to and express their identity which can build their feelings of self worth.
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