A group of up-and-coming young filmmakers have produced a short silent film, thanks to a four-day workshop provided by Baycourt Community & Arts Centre.

The youth programme ran in the second week of the July school holidays, providing participants an opportunity to learn how to create and produce their own silent films.

Bay of Plenty Film, along with TMH Management, helped facilitate the workshop, which covered writing and storyboarding, pre-filming preparation, filming, and editing.

BOP Film chief executive Anton Steel says the 24 kids seemed to enjoy themselves.

'I think they got a lot out of it. It was an opportunity to not just hear about the theoretical stuff, but to get some hands-on experience making a film.”

'They helped script the idea, and nine of them had a chance at directing a couple scenes each. I'm impressed with the end product they came up with – it's a sweet little film.”

The kids used different editing programmes to finish the film, resulting in two final cuts.

Film is a growing industry in the Bay of Plenty, and Anton says there are opportunities coming up for local budding filmmakers.

'I'd really encourage them to do the 48-hour Film Festival, which BOP Film is facilitating this year. All young filmmakers up to the age of 20 should also enter the International Youth Silent Film Festival.

'I think it's a good way for youth to make films, because they don't have worry about sound. Bad audio can detract from a really well-made short film, so it takes a big headache away from first-time filmmakers.”