Cockburn College of Arts

The plan of the day - brief children about the poem and the story behind 'Flannan Isle', encourage them to think of and then make an animation, showing their idea of the real events to the mystery.
Children were then given time to come up with some ideas, sketch out storyboards then start making sets and characters. Also started to talk with them and bring in ideas of how to use the camera - come up with close ups/long shots to emphasise the way the story can be told.

To begin with, I found it quite difficult to know how to encourage ideas or get people motivated, although considering circumstances, there were only a couple of children from each school, so not knowing anyone could make them a little more shy and nervous, so sometimes they didn't seem so involved.. As the day went on though it definitely became less awkward, with some really good ideas being generated, some great characters and sets being made, and behind the whole theme of the day, it was really evident that some of these kids are truly gifted and talented! Some of the drawings, and the care being taken to build and make things really demonstrated that these children have a talent, and the whole day felt like such a rewarding opportunity to let them shine at what they do best.

When it came to editing in the afternoon we encountered a few problems with software & downloading images, but of the couple of pairs that started to work on their animations, it was really great to see things starting to come together. Unfortunately the day was cut short due to the other schools having to leave, but we just about summed it all up and gave a brief idea of how the finished animations would be.
There was a final quick presentation with the other groups that were taking part in the day, (drama, dance and music), giving a taster of what they'd been up to in their workshops. Again, it was really great seeing children doing something they evidently enjoy and working hard at something, creating such a rewarding feeling.

After the presentation I had few words with Bill and Kelly; Bill said if any workshops come up and if I'd like to help out I could do in the future, and he'd keep in touch. Also I forwarded him my blog,vimeo and youtube addresses so he can check out the kind of work I've been doing myself. I had an email back from him today saying that he loved the diversity of my work and had some really great things going on. It's really great to hear such positive feedback from a professional, particularly someone who's working in a field that I've set my sights on!
Kelly also suggested if I'd be interested in coming back I could come help out in some of the classes running a similar form of animation workshop but over a few sessions rather than a full day, so she said she'd be in touch.

Overall, I had such a great day, I've learnt a lot with regards to watching how Bill and Kelly addressed and managed the class, how to communicate with younger people and trying to encourage ideas and ways of working without telling them what to do. The day has left me wanting to get involved even more and work with young people again and I've come away with even more opportunities and more doors open, so it's been a real success!