Drama students get live film set experience
Acting students in Northampton have been given the chance to work on a real-life film set thanks to a Northamptonshire training company.
The students at the University of Northampton formed part of the professional cast on location for two new training videos, due to be launched later this year. The videos are the first in a planned series devised for the corporate market by Earls Barton-based training organisation The Development Company under their new brand, Development Films.
Company director Kay Buckby, who wrote the scripts on the subjects of minute-taking and chairing meetings, said: “We have been asked for years to make training videos by our clients and there is a market gap for these subject areas. We have a policy of using local suppliers so I am delighted that we used local students in this project. We plan to use more students in future films.”
Chris Burdett, lecturer in acting at the University, said: “I am delighted that some of my students have had the life experience of working on a real production with professional actors. I look forward to a long partnership with Development Films.”
The Development Films project offers a new approach to training DVDs and resources. The films are written by trainers, for trainers, in a drama-documentary style and feature a host of characters working for a virtual company called Barton International. Future films dealing with coaching skills and assertiveness are planned for next year. The training videos come with additional resources, such as trainers’ notes and handouts, to enable in-company facilitators to deliver sessions to staff. A self-study package is also available.
Kay, who is also a Northamptonshire Ambassador, added: “Having chairs and minute-takers who are properly trained will enable organisations to save money through effective meetings. We’ve had early interest from the UK, Europe and America. Our subscription package is unique in that clients can get additional free resources as we design them.”
With the first of the films in the can, the company is now looking to expand its list of potential cast and crew members. Kay added: “Media students and make-up artists are welcome to apply to join us on our next shoot.”
Anyone interested in finding out more can contact The Development Company on 01604 810801, visit www.thedevco.com/training or email training@developmentfilms.com
Posted by: The Development Company Limited
