Students mirror guests as budding filmmakers

South West students will gain access to the skills and knowledge of two special guests at Maker + Co on April 10, as they refine their film submissions for the 2018 Cinesnaps Short Film Competition.

Filmmaker Chanel Bowen will join experienced indigenous producer, writer and director Taryne Laffar to share their combined skills of cinematography, directing, editing and production with students aged 15 to 18.

The students are encouraged to work in teams of up to six people to produce a three-to-five-minute short film based around the theme Mirrors.

The competition will culminate with a live judging by Australian film industry heavyweights as more than 200 guests watch on at the Youth Red Carpet Screening during the CinefestOz festival in August.

Supported by Rio Tinto, Cinesnaps has engaged more then 20,000 students since its inception in 2008.

Rio Tinto Greater Hope Downs general manager Gaby Poirer said the company was proud to help create “incredible opportunities” for young people across the South West.

Year 12 Bunbury Catholic College media and drama students Lucy Walters and Tayla Walsh were “excited” to participate in the workshop, as they are now in the filming stage of their project.

“I think it will really help us improve on little things that we have missed, like simple camera, writing or directing techniques and how to stick to schedules,” Lucy said.