Signal Starters

AGES 8-11 YEARS

Free Filmmaking & Animation Workshops

Applications are now OPEN for our Christmas Film-in-a-Week workshops in December!

Our 4-day Film in a Week Signal Starters workshops are open for application from 1st December 2021

During the Christmas holidays we’re running our fantastic Film-in-a-Week workshops from Sat 18th – Tue 21st December 2021. So if you want to learn stop-motion claymation and make our next award-winning short film, think about applying!

check out some of the films below made by past signal starters groups!

Play

Please make sure your application is signed by a parent or legal guardian
Refreshments will be provided on the day so please let us know of any allergies or dietary requirements
If dropping off and picking up within Cooke’s Studios please ensure a mask is worn if possible in public areas
Please let us know if your child is unable to attend so we can offer the place to our waiting list
For more information or help to apply, please contact jo@signalfilmandmedia.co.uk

some images from our 2020 signal starters cohorts made during lockdown

A number of films made by our Signal Starters have been recognised internationally. The animated short film ‘The Day Before Christmas’ made by our Signal Starters film club in December 2016 with mentor Karen Bird, was selected for screening at the 1st Annual Palm Springs International Animation Festival. Animation ‘The Lost Roar’, also made in December 2016, recently beat over 3,000 entires to be awarded the clapperboard for Best Children’s Film in International Section at the Zoom. 12 Film Festival in Slovenia!

Signal Starters has been providing 8-11 year olds the opportunity to work with film industry professionals and make their own films and animations since 2014!

Participants work on filming techniques, story creating, model-making, set design and stop motion animation techniques. With filmmakers and Signal Staff the group have the opportunity to communicate creative ideas, develop new digital skills and form new friendships!

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testimonials

“At Signal we really enjoy delivering the Signal Starters project as it gives us an opportunity to nurture and develop children from the community in understanding creative digital skills and introduce them to the possibilities of the creative industries and positive role models!”

"My boy was raring to go each morning, asking how long it was until he could go. He's thoroughly enjoyed the course and expressed disappointment that it was over. He was really eager for us to come today and watch the film they made."

"There is a great need for our children to have these projects to help them integrate and learn more than hanging around street corners or thinking they have to be in the IN CROWD to be accepted."

"My child has a thirst for this type of knowledge, he really enjoyed it, he doesn't have a a great circle of friends outside of school hours and spends most of the time with family so it was nice to have different friends in holiday time and he uses what he learnt in his animation club"

"He has always been a happy confident boy but I worry that him being bullied at school, this is rapidly disappearing. He is naturally thoughtful and a deep thinker but school is changing his character as bullies pick on him, being with different people and learning while enjoying himself is a win-win situation for us."

"Just thought it was brilliant, I would have loved something like this myself when i was growing up!"

"She's done a few things with Signal - each one different. She has greatly enjoyed all of them and the different experiences each one has opened up to her - and hopes she can do more in the future. She would not have this experience this if not for Signal Starters - so a big thank you!"