SIGNAL STARTERS

Free Filmmaking & Animation Workshops

AGES 8-11 YEARS

Applications are now closed for our July 'Film in a Week' Workshop

SIGNAL STARTERS dates

Dates: Monday 27th – 30th July, 2026
Time: 10.30am – 3.30pm
Deadline to apply: Midnight, Sunday 19th July

WHAT IS SIGNAL STARTERS?

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

Participants learn filmmaking through:

  • Storytelling
  • Model-making & Character Development
  • Set design
  • Stop motion animation techniques
  • Sound recording

Supported by professional filmmakers, Signal Starters provides the opportunity to communicate creative ideas, develop new digital skills and form new friendships.

  • We are limited to 12 spaces per session.
  • Priority will be given to those who would most benefit from taking part. 
  • Sessions run during school holidays.
  • Successful applications will be confirmed by email or telephone.
  • For any questions or support in completing your application please email info@signalfilmandmedia.co.uk or call 01229 838592
Signal Starters animation workshop

How Does Signal Starters Work?

Activities always run during school holiday periods.

Our Taster Sessions are a great introduction to stop-motion animation & last a couple of hours. Try model building & using professional software to see if you would like to do more in future.

Our 4-day, Film-in-a-Week course allows young creatives the chance to get stuck in & make a whole short animated film together! Create a story, make & animate models, voice characters & more! Young people will also work to gain an Explore-level Arts Award certificate!

We alternate between these two activities each time we run sessions.

How CAN MY CHILD GET A PLACE ON SIGNAL STARTERS IN FUTURE?

We work with the local primary schools across Barrow and South Furness to offer our applications. Incredible teachers there help us identify young people who would really benefit & pass on application forms. Equally, applications are open too. We offer 10 spaces available per taster workshop session & 12 spaces for our Film-in-a-Week courses and priority is given to those in the Barrow area.

Back to Youth Opportunities

Past Signal Starters

Part of the TIDAL digital arts project. Click here to find out more.

Watch the films below made by past signal starters groups!

highlights and accolades

Some of our Signal Starters cohort were also featured on BBC NorthWest Tonight as part of a showcase of Children in Need-funded projects. Watch below to see Behind the Scenes of making our October 2020 Film in a Week animated short ‘The Halloween Party’! You can watch the whole film by clicking the link above.

A number of films made by our Signal Starters have been recognised internationally at film festivals around the world! Here’s just some of the highlights form the last few years!

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!”
Sophie Broadgate
Sophie BroadgateWorkshop Leader
"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."
Participant's Parent
Participant's ParentSignal Starters Film-in-a-Week 2019
"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."
Guardian's comment
Guardian's commentSignal Starters 2020
"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"
Participant's parent
Participant's parentSignal Starters 2018
"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."
Participants guardanSignal Starters FIAW 2017
"Just thought it was brilliant, I would have loved something like this myself when i was growing up!"
Funding representative
Funding representative
"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!"
Participant's grandma
Participant's grandmaSignal Starters taster 2019

signal starters behind the scenes

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • All our staff have safeguarding training & Enhanced-level DBS checks
  • Please make sure your applications are made/signed by a parent or legal guardian
  • Refreshments are provided on the day so please let us know of any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of application
  • Please come in to drop-off and collect your child in person if possible or let us know who will be – see door signs for navigation around Cooke’s Studios 
  • Please let us know if your child is unable to attend ASAP so we can offer the place to our waiting list 

For more information, to apply to our waiting list or if you need support to apply, please contact jo@signalfilmandmedia.co.uk

related courses

COOKE'S CREW

Free filmmaking workshops for age 11-15 years

GET DIGITAL

Free filmmaking workshops for age 16-19 years
2018-19 CELEBRATION EVENT

HOW DOES SIGNAL STARTERS WORK?

PAST HIGHLIGHTS

SIGNAL STARTERS IS POSSIBLE THANKS TO THE SUPPORT FROM OUR AMAZING FUNDERS, PAST AND PRESENT: