2. Know why you are doing it, and what young people hope to get out of it. They may want to campaign about something, or create an artistic masterpiece. They may want to showcase their project, explore an issue, or develop skills for the future. Just be clear about it, and plan the finish as well as the beginning. What screening opportunities for the film do you have in mind? Would it make sense to enter the film in a competition or festival? Local independent cinemas may be willing to show films. Research the possibilities and know where you are heading.
3. There are plenty of different jobs. In front of the camera, you tend to find actors or presenters. And perhaps music makers. Then there are the roles of director, producer, sound recordist, lighting technicians, publicist and... well, you know how long the credits last after a film.
Make learning about these roles part of the whole educational process.
4. Never railroad young people into making films about issues they are not particularly interested in. Enrico Tessarin, of the highly successful Haringey-based Exposure project, says: "We don't do anything violent and we don't do anything that doesn't have a socially relevant point." But apart from that it is important that young people choose what they make a film on. Exposure's approach is highly successful. One film, Snorkelboy, was screened at the National Film Theatre. Another director, Sheku Kallon, 18, describes a forthcoming project: "I want this film to portray the relationships between young people on an estate and mix this with a menacing presence that wreaks havoc in an apparently quiet environment." See www.exposure.org.uk for inspirational trailers.
5. Tessarin also stresses the value of a creative working environment.
He suggests having breaks when necessary for young people to chill or go to the youth club and play basketball or whatever. But when they come together to do film-making, they are committed to working. "That way, we don't ever have any problems with the young people," he says.
6. Don't spend money unnecessarily. You won't need your own camera, lights, mikes or editing gear to begin with. Ask around for facilities and equipment to borrow. Remember to get some insurance, though.
