History Behind the Haunts: FREE Young Filmmakers Course – Applications Now Open
We are delighted to announce that Signals will be taking part in Reverberate, a programme with English Heritage that gives young people the chance to explore history, heritage and storytelling in creative new ways.
As part of the programme, Signals will be running History Behind the Haunts, a free young filmmakers course for people aged 14 to 18, taking place in Suffolk at Framlingham Castle.
The course will explore the stories, legends and hidden histories connected to Framlingham Castle, using film as a way to bring the past to life.
Through a three-day film school, participants will learn practical filmmaking skills including research, writing for screen, camera work, sound recording, directing and editing. They will work together to create a short film inspired by the castle, its history and the stories connected to it.
The project will look at how ghost stories can be more than just spooky tales. They can tell us something about how people were remembered, misunderstood or pushed outside of what society saw as “normal”. Young people will explore powerful women connected to Framlingham Castle, including Margaret Brotherton, who is sometimes linked to the legend of the “Blue Lady”.
Participants will use film to explore history, myth, power, gender and local legend. They will also take part in a fun ghost hunt inspired activity, looking at how sound, light, location and storytelling can shape the way we experience heritage.
This free course is perfect for young people in Suffolk who are interested in film, history, storytelling, creativity or local heritage. No previous filmmaking experience is needed. We are looking for young people with a genuine interest in taking part, learning new skills and working as part of a creative team.
Across three days, participants will have the chance to use professional filmmaking equipment, develop ideas, plan scenes, record footage and edit their work into a final short film. They will gain confidence, learn new digital and creative skills, and explore how heritage can be brought to life for new audiences.
For Signals, this project is about giving young people the tools to tell stories in their own way.
History Behind the Haunts shows that heritage can be exciting, strange, creative and meaningful, and that old stories can still speak to us today.
Where and when?
The course will take place at Framlingham Castle, Church Street, Framlingham, IP13 9BP
Dates: 29th, 30th and 31st of October
Time: 10am to 3pm each day
Who can apply?
In order to apply for History Behind the Haunts, you must:
• Be aged 14 to 18 years old.
• Be interested in film, history, storytelling, creativity or local heritage.
• Be able to commit to all three days of the course.
• Be happy to work as part of a creative team.
• Be a Suffolk resident and be able to travel to Framlingham Castle in Suffolk for the course.
No previous filmmaking experience is needed. The course is open to young people who have a genuine interest in taking part, learning new skills and helping to create a short film.
We welcome applications from young people of all backgrounds and abilities. All you need is an interest in film, storytelling and exploring history in a creative way.
What will I do on the course?
Participants will take part in a range of creative filmmaking activities, including:
• Exploring the history, stories and legends of Framlingham Castle.
• Learning how to develop ideas for a short film.
• Writing and planning scenes.
• Using camera, sound and lighting equipment.
• Taking part in a fun ghost hunt inspired activity.
• Filming as part of a team.
• Editing the final short film.
By the end of the course, participants will have helped create a short film that shares a fresh interpretation of Framlingham Castle and its stories. They will also gain confidence, creative skills and experience using professional filmmaking equipment.
An English Heritage initiative supporting local youth-focused heritage projects. For more information, see Shout Out Loud, English Heritage’s national youth engagement programme: http://shoutoutloud.org.uk/