Children from across Lancashire stepped into the spotlight last weekend as they celebrated the premiere of their own films at the Arc Cinema in Preston.
The films were the result of months of work through the Green Dog Academy, part of Green Dog Creative, which helps children develop skills in acting, filmmaking, editing and storytelling.
Charlotte Trafford, the Preston-born founder of Green Dog Creative, said: “Above everything else, the most important thing for me is making sure our children enjoy themselves.
(L) Charlotte Trafford and staff member Abbie with children on the red carpet (Image: Green Dog Creative)
“I don’t want to run a drama school where children are performing in things they don’t enjoy.
“I want Green Dog Creative to be a place where every child can flourish and discover their passions.”
The young filmmakers arrived in style, walking a red carpet into the cinema, posing for photographs and taking part in mock media interviews.
They then watched their short films on the big screen alongside family and friends in a Hollywood-style experience.
An audience of around 170 people viewed a variety of original productions, including comedies, horror stories and murder mysteries.
The event concluded with a blooper reel that filled the cinema with laughter.
Parents praised both the event and the impact of the wider project on their children.
Charlotte Trafford posing on the red carpet (Image: Green Dog Creative)
One parent said: “My once shy little boy who was happy to stand at the back now comes home telling me he has auditioned for lead roles.
“His reading has improved, particularly his fluency and he’s now keen to step forward to do all sorts of things.”
Another parent said: “My children’s fave day is the day they spend with Charlotte after school at Green Dog, they come out full of smiles and laughing telling me all the stories of all the fun they’ve had in every session, my children’s confidence and independence have grown massively, couldn’t recommend more!”
A third parent said: “My daughter can’t wait for her drama class each week.
“She loves being a part of a production, dressing up and learning parts.
“When there was a chance to attend a summer camp she was thrilled.
“Her confidence and enthusiasm for drama has increased hugely.”
Green Dog Creative was founded to make the arts accessible to every child, regardless of background, experience or ability.
Ms Trafford said the organisation works hard to make sure every child can take part in a way that is inclusive and affordable.
Based in Central Lancashire, it offers after-school drama classes, holiday clubs and Saturday school.
Credit: Source link