The winner of Best Film by Under-11s, Granny Mac’s Meringues, was produced by 66 youngsters from Burntisland Primary School in Scotland. I caught up with Chas Whatmore, a filmmaker who helped the children to complete their award-winning film, after the event, for a more in-depth interview.
Chas, who has been making films for over five years, graduated from Abertay University in Computer Arts in 2008 and has since worked on documentaries, dramas and conference films. He completed a Masters Degree in Electronic Imaging in 2010, while working alongside his mother, Liz Whatmore, for the past four years. The mother-son duo helped the children of Burntisland create Granny Mac’s Meringues, which tells the tale of a milliner mixing up a cake box and a hat box just before the Royal Wedding, with disastrously hilarious results.
I spoke to Chas about the filmmaking process and how he came to be involved with First Light. You can read the interview below, and find my full write-up of the ceremony, including interviews with Naomie Harris (Pirates of the Caribbean, Skyfall), John Boyega (Attack the Block) and Ralf Little (The Royle Family), at Top10Films.co.uk.
How does it feel to have won this prestigious award?
We are all thrilled to have won. It’s the third time lucky for Liz, but it’s so good for the kids’ confidence.
How did you get involved with First Light?
Liz made her first film with First Light in 2004, titled Un Mystere dans le Jardin, which was shortlisted for Best Under-12s. We were looking for funding, and a local media centre in Glenrothes suggested First Light.
Who or what inspired you to create this film?
A class project on the environment sparked ideas, which developed and morphed into Granny Mac’s Meringues.
How did you find the filmmaking process?
The filmmaking process is always exciting, especially with children; from developing the initial idea to the creation of characters with personalities and everything between. Working with children is never a dull moment! We were getting the kids to develop their skills, from storyboarding to voiceovers, via animation. It was a great team-building tool!
Where do you see yourself in future?
As Liz is nearing retirement, she is trying to inspire others to take up the baton. She would love to be involved with another project along similar lines.
So will you go on to create more projects with the kids?
Funding is the main issue. First Light have only just secured some funding for this year, which is a bit late for this year’s classes. The general economic gloom makes funding from other sources difficult.
How important do you think events like this are for young filmmakers in the UK?
Showcasing young folks' creative talents is wonderful for boosting their self-confidence. The First Light Awards are a great way of celebrating filmmaking by young people across the UK.
Do you have any advice for young people who want to get involved in the film industry?
Don’t give up! It’s also very important that they have facilities to express their creative talents.
Hit play below to see Granny Mac's Meringues for yourself. You can find the rest of the award-winners on the First Light website.
You can also find Chas on Twitter at @ChasWhatmore, and see more of his work at Vimeo. Photo supplied by Chas Whatmore.
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