Filmmaker of the Future
One of the opportunities we offered to young people this summer was a film and photography mentorship. This was a chance for someone interested in film to shadow and learn from Nick Singleton, who was capturing our summer s’cool events over the holidays.
The opportunity was snapped up by Taylor, from Havercroft and Ryhill, who was keen to get some practical experience in the industry. Taylor has been interested in filmmaking since he was nine years old, having been inspired by Tarantino’s signature action shots and quirky techniques. He took up photography at the age of 11 and recently finished studying a film and television course at college. Throughout this time, he has always wanted to be a fly on the wall on a film set.
His partnership with Nick offered a step towards this. Together, they captured footage from the summer s’cool projects that were taking place in Rycroft Sports and Youth Centre. Taylor used this footage to produce his own trailer advertising the venue and what they offer the community.
Alongside, Nick and Taylor worked on filming and photography techniques like how to produce light art, in addition to industry specific skills, like developing a personal brand identity and portfolio.
Taylor reflected how the mentorship helped him align the practical side of the industry with the theoretical content he learned at college. Something he found satisfying about the project was the opportunity to interact with people at the youth centre, giving them a platform to share their stories and the work they undertake. Filmmaking is about people and being able to share this experience with those he knows well has made the process a privilege. He has also developed a special interest in editing which he hopes to take further.
From the skills and content Taylor has gained from the mentorship, he hopes to pursue a career in the film and television industry, his dream role being based in Media City in Manchester.
Words by Antonia Stephenson
Photography by Nick Singleton
Meet Taylor, our filmmaking mentee.
