Young filmmakers of the future descended upon Watershed last week for a workshop designed to get them inspired to create short films for Electric December, Watershed’s annual online film showcase.

The students, aged 11-18, from eight different schools came together with industry professionals to make eight short films. Watch their mini-westerns, noirs and slapsticks here.

The Electric December Inspiration Day gave schools a rare opportunity to make a short film on a low budget, and included sessions on all the essentials: storyboarding, camera and editing training and live pitching.

Writer and director Conor McCormack (who is currently working on '7 Stones,' a docu-drama made with children from a refugee camp in the West Bank) was joined by writer Matt Haynes to run the activities, along with Watershed staff and a team of fantastic volunteers from UWE and Filton College.

Local schools – including Henbury, St Katherine's, Bristol Cathedral School, Fairfield, Wellsway, Churchill Academy and Oasis Academy – each made a short film, which they pitched to a panel of industry experts BAFTA-winning director Patrick Collerton, producer Suzanne Lambert and Nick White, from Travelling Light theatre company. The finished results were all screened at a mini-premiere at the end of the day.

Sam Storey, a teacher from New College, who attended the day:

‘We had a really brilliant day yesterday. My students all left feeling that they had really achieved something.’

Hannah Higginson, Engagement Projects producer at Watershed says:

‘This year the Inspiration Day attracted a record number of schools - their mini movies are ace fun and a great example of what you can create in day. We hope that these students and any other young filmmakers from across Europe enter their films in this year's Electric December. ’

Andy Gove, Head of Media at Fairfield School said:

‘The kids absolutely love coming down to Watershed and always get such a buzz, learning filmmaking in such a practical way. Being able to work with industry professionals makes a real difference and you can see the inspiration in the student’s work. Roll on Electric December!’

If you’re under 21 enter your own film to Electric December for a chance of winning priceless exposure by being included in this year’s online showcase. Get involved - upload your short film here by Fri 28 Sept.

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