Nuneaton chosen as setting for 'major' new film

[dutchman]

Nuneaton has been chosen as the setting for a full-length movie, which is being shot as part of a major national project.


Students from North Warwickshire and Hinckley College at a special cast and crew premiere screening of Julius Caesar in Manchester earlier this year. They are pictured with former Heartbeat actor Jack Marsden (far right) and Rob Walton (third, right), from the college, and Kevin Atkinson (left), from the British Youth Film Academy

Scores of local students will be involved in the project after the Co-operative British Youth Film Academy announced that Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 2 will be filmed on location around the town.

The Academy, which includes North Warwickshire and Hinckley College among its member institutions, is embarking on an ambitious challenge to simultaneously make four professional standard films in four UK regions during this year’s school summer holidays.

Organisers hope the project will offer 14 to 25-year-olds a “unique educational opportunity”, with mentoring from experts in everything from acting to make-up, wardrobe to camera and from post production right through to the red-carpet experience.

The Co-operative Group’s £1.2million six year partnership with BYFA is an integral part of its commitment to Inspiring Young People.

Michael Fairclough, the company’s head of community and campaigns, said: “When opportunities, passion and enthusiasm collide it can truly be life changing and, this is the kind of exciting environment that BYFA creates.”

Students from North Warwickshire and Hinckley College have previously been involved in the making of another BYFA film Julius Caesar, which held a special cast and crew premiere screening in Manchester earlier this year.

Rob Walton, team leader for creative arts and media at the college, said: “I am proud of our partnership with The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy.

"It has enriched and developed our students with real industry experience, providing opportunities that will never be forgotten.”

Kevin Atkinson, senior manager at BYFA, said: “I have worked in the professional performance industry and the education sector for nearly two decades and have never stop being amazed at the brilliance young people have and bring to their work.

“This is an incredible and very exciting opportunity to discover and acknowledge the talents of so many of the area’s young people.”