Red carpets rolls out for band of young Portsmouth actors

From left, Ruby Holder, Tia Bennett, Cameron Overton, Joe Barber, Oakley Loader, Kane Windle, Cameron James and Sophia Freeman Picture: Sarah Standing (161507-44)

Almost 50 children and teenagers were transported in stretched limousines to the exclusive evening at Port Solent’s Odeon cinema last night.

The event was to celebrate the youngsters’ achievements in creating their own films, which ranged from a tense, psychological thriller, to an anti-bullying drama and a music video.

Dozens of friends and family cheered as the young actors walked down the red carpet, signing autographs as paparazzi snapped their photos.

At the guests at Port Solent last night
Picture:
Andrew Mardel/ARM Photography — At the guests at Port Solent last night Picture: Andrew Mardel/ARM Photography

The talented thespians then made their way inside the cinema where the VIP treatment continued while they watched their films on the big screen.

Robert Meaden, 18, of Cosham was the lead in the eight-minute horror film Tally Man.

He said: ‘This whole experience has been life-changing. I was nervous getting out of the limo but now I’m on a high.’

All the youngsters attend the UK Film Academy, which is based at Admiral Lord Nelson School, in Portsmouth.

West End actress Louisa Hart is in charge of the school and helped organise the filming, which involved 54 young people, aged between five and 20.

She hired a professional film crew to record Tally Man, which was shot at Fun Land on Hayling Island over the summer, and the children’s music video, filmed near Portchester Football Club’s ground.

As well as having professional cameramen and sound operators, the youngsters’ film was also scripted by screen writer and director, Dr Sandra Philip.

Dr Philip said: ‘What they have produced has been remarkable.’

Louisa said the film project was helping the wannabe actors get vital screen experience.

But she added: ‘This is also about confidence and self-esteem. I’ve seen these children transform during this whole process. It’s been amazing.’

Ruby Houlders, 14, was thrilled to be part of the project, and said: ‘It’s all been such fun. It was really exciting walking down the red carpet.’

The school meets on Fridays from 5pm to 9.30pm and has more filming projects in the pipeline. For details on joining, call Louisa on 07973 715209.