Boom Buddy Review: Sparks Film Club

Boom Buddy kid, Eban, from The Watson-Pick Family recently joined Sparks Film Club for an evening and had a brilliant time!

There’s no business like show business or so the saying goes! With this catchy number playing in our ears, my son, Eban aged 9, and I made our way to Sparks Derbyshire North Film School, located in the beautiful spa town of Matlock Bath, which is one of our favourite places to visit at a weekend. The workshop, which takes place on a Wednesday evening during term time, can be found in the Grand Pavillion, the largest performing arts space in the Derbyshire Dales.

Sparks Derbyshire North is one of over 30 schools in the UK and is part of the leading film school for children and young people aged 5 to 18. Since it was launched in 2010, Sparks have supported over 10,000 young filmmakers to grow their confidence, creativity and valuable lifelong skills. During the courses, students learn about all the different aspects of filmmaking undertaking practical, hands-on activities and making real film productions.  Students can explore all the different crew roles you find on a real set, exploring and developing their creative ideas and working on real life film making projects to boost their skills.

Sparks Derbyshire North is led by Deb Bowater. Deb is a mum to young filmmakers and has an extensive background in education. She is supported by a fantastic team of passionate filmmaking instructors. One of these is Owen who is a long-standing Sparks workshop leader of 10+ years. Owen and Deb welcomed us warmly to the workshop and showed us into The Grand Hall that had stunning original features around the stage that were uncovered during renovations in 2020.

Owen immediately put Eban at ease and explained what they would be doing that evening, starting off with some games to break the ice. The production of the film the class were making was already underway and so Owen showed the class the footage from the previous week. They then talked through what they would be doing that evening. Owen then opened the floor for the kids to pitch ideas for scenes, shot types and deciding what parts they would each play for that evening’s scenes.

The class then began filming in various parts of the building and the kids took control using the equipment available to them including the camera, tripod and clapper board as well as directing the scenes. Eban was delighted to have a cameo as a mad scientist which he absolutely relished! To give his character another layer and to make him appear extra evil, Owen added a red gel light to the camera. Eban was kept very busy during the session and loved using the different equipment, learning and having fun at the same time.

Eban can’t wait to see the finished film when its edited and was made to feel a valuable member of the Sparks Film School. It gave him a great insight into the world of filmmaking whilst making new friends and exercising his creativity.

Sparks Film Club Derbyshire North takes place at The Grand Pavilion, Matlock Bath on term-time Wednesdays from 5.30 - 7.30pm. Ignite imagination, build confidence and encourage a host of new skills whilst learning about the different aspects of filmmaking in these fun and friendly classes.

Email DerbyshireNorth@sparksarts.co.uk