Making movies at the pier

Published by Paul Diggory for North Wales Housing Association in Housing

A group of Noddfa homeless hostel service users have created a short film onColwynBaypier, filming, editing and producing the entire 20 minute piece.

Developed with TAPE, a local community arts and media organisation, three Noddfa residents took part in the initiative over several weeks. Each resident was able to try out different roles as part of the filming making process, including filming, sound engineering, interviewing, editing and producing.

Along with TAPE team members, the residents split into teams and visitedColwynBaypier and the town shopping centre to interview members of the public and discover general opinions are on the council purchase of the pier and funding for restoration.

The residents leaned to work as a team through the initiative and gained confidence building skills by engaging with the public and using the film equipment. The project will allow the group to begin learning the necessary skills for them to work independently on their own projects in the future.

Geoff Baldwin of Noddfa, part of North Wales Housing said: “This project has been a fantastic success. The residents have been so energised and enthused by their work with TAPE and the social skills that have been enhanced through this have been invaluable.”

The film will be used by the working parties involved in purchasing and restoring the pier as well as the Pier Committee when they hold open days to inform the public.

Geoff added: “To see the film used as a credible information tool by the council has given our tenants a real sense of pride and self belief.”