New film to help young people to ‘Change The Script’

The ‘Change The Script’ film was premiered at the recent Power To Change conference and has been produced by an East Midlands-based multimedia artist, Casey Francis, through his Mad Truth arts organisation. According to Casey, Change The Script “highlights the voice and perspectives of care experienced young people”.

The film was funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery and was commissioned by The Mighty Creatives, an award-winning charity that provides creative youth services for the most under-represented young people in society.

Talking about the film at the premiere showing, Casey said: “The Mighty Creatives have been amazing supporters of my work and I was delighted that my tender was accepted, particularly so as some of the young people working with Leicestershire Cares got to look at the tenders so there was already a direct emotional investment in the film.

“The subject of the film has a real emotional resonance for me – my brother is severely autistic so he’s been adjacent to the system his whole life. He knows how it feels to be messed around and told that you’re not worthy. It’s too easy to say that one size fits all and you sometimes feel like you’re just a number on a screen or on a piece of paper.

“That’s why is vital to focus on the human stories behind this and it’s my job as a filmmaker to highlight these.

“Working with the Joining Up Joining In group at Leicestershire Cares, we began to workshop ideas for the film and I really hope that you’ll see the humour, energy and passion of the group come through in the final work.

“The purpose of the project was to educate, highlight and create a sense of empathy and understanding. The impact that I’d like to see the film make is to inspire growth and change.”

Feedback from the Joining Up Joining In young people included:

  • ‘They liked it when all voices were heard. When everyone could get involved. Giving opportunities for all group members to contribute’
  • ‘Having a friendly and confident approach. For example, using the ice breakers at the start of the sessions help to create a space where participants feel comfortable to contribute’
  • ‘The filmmaker was also passionate about the topic which was a positive and encouraged the group to discuss the themes openly’
  • ‘Enjoyed working with a young professional filmmaker’

“Casey and the young people group have teamed to produce a powerful, absorbing and inspiring piece of work. You can’t fail to be moved by the narrative of the film and its striking central message about the importance of supporting care experienced young people.”

Kieran Breen , CEO of Leicestershire Cares

This piece was initially published at https://www.leicestershirecares.co.uk/about-charity/news-events-/new-film-to-help-young-people-to-change-the-script/ and is reprinted here with permission from Leicestershire Cares.