Inclusive film project 'Supporting Shorts' launches with the University of Leeds
The project, Supporting Shorts, launched with a showcase of two short films created by participants using a pioneering ‘Easy Write Template’ developed to make screenwriting more accessible
A groundbreaking project designed to make the screen industries accessible to people traditionally excluded from them has launched today (Friday 24 January) with support from two professors in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures.
The project, Supporting Shorts, launched with a showcase of two short films created by participants using a pioneering ‘Easy Write Template’ developed to make screenwriting more accessible. Gill German MP, Director of Inclusion at the British Film Institute (BFI) Melanie Hoyes, and representatives from Vue all attended the event.
Students from Gogarth School who took part in the Supporting Shorts project. Photo credit: TAPE
Supporting Shorts was established to address barriers in the screen industries, following work to address the complex language of screenwriting, which can deter many aspiring filmmakers. As part of this, the ‘Easy Write Template’, developed in collaboration with arts organisations TAPE, Carousel in Brighton, and the team behind industry-standard software Final Draft, simplifies the process of scriptwriting, ensuring inclusivity in film production.
The project is already making waves in the industry, with Vue Cinemas agreeing to screen the films, which have been collaboratively written and produced by young people from Ysgol y Gogarth (Gogarth School). Race to the Start Line is a comedy about a young man scrambling to make it to a mountain bike race; and The Return of Jamie Vincent, is a horror story by set in a mysterious hotel.
The films will be shown ahead of major feature films, with Race to the Start Line debuting before Dogman on 7 February, and The Return of Jamie Vincent preceding The Monkey from 21 February. These screenings mark a significant step towards making inclusive filmmaking visible on a national stage.
Professors Beth Johnson and Katy Parry from the University’s School of Media and Communication supported and led the event. Professor Beth Johnson, who is also the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures’ EDI lead, said:
“We are thrilled to co-host this exciting event. Supporting Shorts represents an innovative approach to filmmaking that aligns with our values of inclusivity and creativity. By showcasing these films and the incredible work of TAPE and its partners, we hope to inspire meaningful change in the screen industries, fostering new voices and perspectives.
“This event underscores our commitment to civic responsibility, strengthening connections with educational, industrial, commercial, and cultural partners, and creating fresh opportunities for learning and collaboration.”
TAPE's founder and creative director, Steve Swindon, described the initiative as a testament to the power of inclusive ideas. “This is a wonderful example of where an idea can lead if you take it, and the people behind it, seriously,” he said.
The launch event not only celebrates the achievements of Supporting Shorts but also sets a precedent for other organisations to embrace inclusivity in their creative processes.
In 2024 Professor Johnson delivered the prestigious John Hamilton Lifelong Learning Lecture at FACT in Liverpool, addressing the persistent and deep-rooted class inequalities that shape the film and television industries in the UK.
