Having joined the CMG aged 14, the pair have been learning their trade at the weekly workshops for the past two years. While with the group, they’ve made films for Sutton Council, local charities such as Mencap and Jigsaw4U, interviewed David Weir on stage at the opening of the David Weir Leisure Centre, and have been involved in award-winning music videos and short films.
Filmmaker and session leader Richard Paris Wilson isn’t surprised about the student’s latest news: “They’re really hard-working. We’ve instilled in them a lot of disciplines and skills, but they’ve really taken their work onto the next level. I’m so excited by what they could accomplish.”
Jack Hobbs described how the Media sessions at the Sutton Life Centre have helped him develop his talents. “We’ve had a lot of hands-on training and there’s always been a new project to keep us busy. It’s been a fantastic opportunity.” Henri Calderon added “It’s been really varied. I’ve made an art installation just about a sewing machine, but have also been the AD on a big budget short film. It’s helped me learn lots of different skills. It’s not your normal after-school club.”
The CMG meet on Tuesdays and Fridays, and, as workshop leader Richard explains, “it is as much about being a good citizen as it is about creating positive media.” The Citizenship Media Group have made music videos with actors from Sutton which have over 20,000 hits on Youtube, produced photographs that appear in all the libraries in Sutton and have worked alongside numerous charities in the Borough.
As for the youngsters, they’re not getting ahead of themselves. “Being signed doesn’t guarantee success”, said Jack. “But it’s a step in the right direction. We’re just happy for the opportunity. And we’ll still come to the Media Group every week because it’s a great place to work on your skills.”
If you’d to find out more about their work, or if you’re aged between 13-and-18 and would like to join, email [email protected].