The Young Deaf Filmmakers Scheme was introduced in 2007 to give young deaf filmmakers aged 16-25 an opportunity to learn the process of filmmaking.

Twenty four participants from all over the UK attended workshops which took place once a week over a three-week period, led by Nikki Stratton and Gordon Hay. The participants were divided into groups and gained an insight into elements of filmmaking, from pre-production to post-production. The groups were given a synopsis from which they had to create a film, following typical production processes (including producing a script and storyboard, writing  dialogue, scene setting, editing and creating promotional materials). They also had to work together as a team, which is a crucial element of filmmaking.

As a result, six films were produced and then screened at Deaffest 2007 and you can view the posters below!

Directed by Simon Herdman, Nathan Read, Nathan Rollinson & Frazer Cockle
Directed by Ramas Rentelis
Directed by Victoria Briden, Hayley Shelton & Sebastiana Mazzocchio
Directed by Stephen Collins and produced by Jessica Reynolds
Directed by David Hay & produced by Shana Grummitt
Directed by Sebastiana Mazzocchio & produced by Simon Herdman

The teams also had the opportunity to prepare a pitch for a £1K bursary to enable them to create their own film. They delivered a presentation to the judges, Nikki Stratton and Gordon Hay, as well as the audience at Deaffest 2007. The audience voted and three teams were awarded a bursary! The teams later made their own films, which were screened at Deaffest 2008 – check out their promotional posters below.

Directed by 3 Point Production (Frazer Cockle, Hayley Shelton and Sebastiana Mazzocchio)
Directed by Brown Solid Productions (Brian Duffy, David Sands and Simon Herdman)
Directed by Purely Platonic Productions (David Hay, Shana Grummit and Stephen Collins)

You can watch the above films via the Deaffest Online Cinema!