Bid to keep Ballycastle Film Club rolling on and on

A report prepared for Moyle councillors said: 'CS Manager had a preliminary meeting with an independent film maker to discuss the possibility of planning and delivering a programme for the Club in the early New Year.

'A summary proposal has been received and is being discussed. The proposal highlights the work to be undertaken with the youth sector and in the post primary schools as well as training opportunities for a range of professionals (teachers. youth workers, Neighbourhood Officers, etc.) who may use the resources as part of their ongoing work with young people.

'CS Manager also keen to explore any possibilities of establishing 'Moving Image Art' into the schools which could provide opportunities for a qualification at GCSE, AS and A Level.

'The current programme of screenplay writing was completed on November 19. The youth involved have selected a number of the scripts to be produced and are currently working towards their first independent production.

'Funding for the Club will be expended in March 2010. CS Manager is seeking options for future funding which will include the employment of a co-ordinator for the Club.

'This level of expertise is required in order for the Club to reach its full potential.

'With the CSP and CSU approval preliminary discussions are taking place to assess the potential/opportunities for Youthlinks to take over the management role of this project.

'Should this take affect from April 2010, Youthlinks would be responsible for the programme development and employment of staff.

'This would ensure that the product has a strong community base, would continue as a local initiative and further funding opportunities could be explored,' said the report.