Lights, smartphone, action at film workshop

Yong Dengdit

A smartphone and a laptop – that’s all you need to shoot and edit a great quality movie.

But some extra help can be had at WestWorld FilmFest’s filmmaking workshops for western suburbs young people aged 12 to 25.

The workshops will cover camera and lighting techniques, editing, sound recording, animation, screen acting and special effects.

The workshops culminate with a short film screening and competition, with categories including best film and Vine or music video, and a chance to win cash prizes, Adobe Creative Cloud licences, and training through filmmaking schools Labspace and Open Channel.

Melton councillor Sophie Ramsey is encouraging aspiring filmmakers to attend the workshops and get a taste of the industry.

“This is an exciting opportunity for young filmmakers in Melbourne’s west to gain the skills and experience to make their own short movie,” she said.

“It will be a fantastic and completely free program.”

Competition entry is free but entries must be between five seconds and five minutes long. Prizes will be awarded only to films that include the WestWorld FilmFest’s signature object – a fence. The deadline for entries is Monday, April 11.

For more information about the competition and the workshops, which will be held at Taylors Hill Youth and Community Centre, email yse@melton.vic.gov.au