If you've ever wanted to the Coromandel's next big filmmaker, then Creative Mercury Bay has the opportunity you've been looking for.

The creative trust is hosting a series of workshops designed to teach 12 participants the art of filmmaking and will be run by accomplished Coromandel filmmaker James Muir.

Creative Mercury Bay, in conjunction with Coromandel filmmaker James Muir, are running a series of workshops focusing on the art of filmmaking the weekends of March 7-8 and March 14-15. Photo: CMB

The first workshops took place over the past weekend, with the next set of workshops taking place on the weekends of March 7-8, and March 14-15.

These workshops are open to everybody living in Mercury Bay who are aged 12 years and over, says trust chair Jan Wright.

'The participants will form two teams of six and be coached by James over three weekends,” says Jan. 'Each team will create a short film representing the people and places of The Coromandel.

'James anticipates the small team, intensive workshop approach will generate a high standard of production and give participants a 'real” experience of the filmmaking world. '

Jan adds: 'A high standard of production will also feasibly give these films a very wide distribution through local groups, cinemas, galleries, cafes, social media and possibly even film festivals.”

James, the creator of 2012 documentary ‘River Dog', is a biologist and environmentalist who also holds a Master of Science Communication (Natural History Film).

The workshops will cover a huge range of topics and include how to write, produce, direct, edit, export and present a short film, how to use digital video cameras and professional film equipment, plus how to realise your vision for a film.

Jan says James is a talented story-teller and artist and that's abundantly clear when you watch his film River Dog.

'These workshops are a great opportunity for twelve local people to learn that art from him; and also to learn from one another.

'Our ultimate objective though is to see film-making take on a life of its own in Mercury Bay.”

Make A Short Film With James Muir workshops take place at the MacLab Suite in the Mercury Bay Area School, on the weekends of March 7-8 and March 14-15.

A screening of the films produced will take place The Monkey House Theatre in Whitianga on Saturday, March 28 at 7pm.

Workshops cost $80 for Adults and $45 for Students.

For more information and to register email Jan at: [email protected] or visit the Creative Mercury Bay website at: www.creativemercurybay.co.nz