We have been running a survey to find out what people who have been involved with Diversity Films get from being part of our work.
Topping the bill……?
Closely followed by…
* Knowledge *Skills, Friends & Film/TV/Media information *Motivation *Credit from working on a film *Awareness of community issues and social justice *Confidence and Contacts *Work Experience
Here are some of the comments so far!
“It made me realise my dream.”
“You’ve made such a difference for so many, raised the bar for and quality of grassroots film across the country. You and your work will be missed a lot a lot…”
”It was the first place where I did a more meaningful voluntary work: I worked within a small, dedicated and passionate team, which helped me a lot at the time to have more purpose and contributing ideas, plus gave me a really big motivation. It was really great to have been able to discover other communities of Glasgow, and make films with people there, so much good fun! Plus I worked with a variety of people from refugees to teenagers making their own music band. I learned a lot as well: using a camcorder, conducting an interview, organising film collections …I really wish I could have still volunteered there!”
”Without Diversity Films, I would not have been able to make my projects to the level I have. I have gained more skills in a short period of time that I had in previous years looking for work experience within companies. Diversity Films gave me and others a chance when no one else would. I will forever be indebted to them and would not hesitate to help them in the future if I was able to assist.”
”Being able to experience at first hand the dedication and commitment of the staff in taking the ‘mistique’ out of film making. This approach allowed those who would otherwise be somewhat reticent in becoming involved to approach this discipline with added confidence. Diversity Films is all about community activity and the way they i.e. the community can participate in the Film Industry.”
“I was saddened to hear that Starting Block is finishing. I had watched the films on-line and enjoyed them. I felt that the project was genuinely inspiring to young people and communities. I also thought that the project and its practice was inspiring to the film community.”
”Working with Diversity Films showed me what I needed to see to become a filmmaker. The help and experience I have gained through this will continue through out my career in whatever direction I decide to go.”
”Getting involved with Diversity was one of the most creatively rewarding things I have done in my life. I met great people, I learned new skills, I felt involved in something worthy and it has given me hope that I may be able to get involved in more film making like this in the future.”
“Before I attended Diversity Films workshops, I was a manic depressive, but they gave me something to look forward to and gave me some self worth, as well as teaching me a lot of aspects in the making of a film. Although I know there is so much more they could teach me, I enjoyed everything they had to offer and know of nowhere else I would have got this level of expertise and encouragement. Since Diversity I have entered the film I co-produced into several different festivals. To see the reaction of the public to the films we all produced was a great feeling. I have kept writing hoping that funding will be found for more film ideas. Doing this made me get out and about since this, I seem to have lost the get up and go this provided me with.”
“Diversity has been an invaluable aide in entering the film and television profession in Scotland. I was invited to meet lots of nice, interesting people who were already working in the industry. I was also given the opportunity to freely get involved with others who, like me, were keen to learn more about all aspects of making our own films and/or becoming a professional. Since its inception in 2007 Diversity Films has progressed with their programmes year-on-year so more successes are sure to follow, and as such, is a valuable resource that must not be lost.”
“It was fun being involved with Starting Block, I learnt about documentary film-making and getting your message accross, and how film can give you a voice and help you to share your experiences of disability or other stuff”
“I gained a valuable insight into the business of film making and gained a great deal of skills that are useful in other areas. I felt my time was well spent and would recommend Diversity to anyone interested in film making.”
“I have always been passionate about film making and Diversity gave me the chance to direct and produce my first film. I wouldn’t have been able to do this otherwise. I was given the chance to use professional equipment and train with industry professionals. As well as this I met great, like-minded people who will be useful contacts and great friends. Everything I have gained from working with Diversity has been invaluable to me and I can’t stress enough how much of a loss I feel it would be if Diversity was no longer available to Scottish film makers in the future!”
”For me Diversity Films is more than a community that I love to be in. They, like my second parents. When I first arrived to Glasgow, Diversity Films encourage me to work professionally in the film industry. Some of the many important influences were organising workshops within professional bodies, i.e. sound dubbing sessions at BBC (even few times) and 422.tv. Also because of my taking part with Diversity Films in filmmaking my name is knowing in filmmaking community and in the database (imdb) in the internet. I would encourage funding bodies to make Diversity Films operating, because what they do is very important activities, specially involving teenagers and many other diversities of people (local and asylum seekers and refugees).”
“My experience with Diversity Films, was working with film making equipment, a highly skilled team, to be valued by the team and the other participants. I felt comfortable and despite my lack of skills with technology I was able to contribute to the Barras Story. I really enjoyed the story boarding, carrying out research and taking pictures at the Barras which were included in another project at a Photographic Exhibition. I was really proud of my name being on the credits of the Barras Story and the follow on exhibition.”
”Diversity Films opened up a whole new part of life for me. So much that I think I could make a living on some of the skills that Diversity Films has taught me.”
”It’s really great that an organisation exists that gives indie filmmakers the chance to develop their skills and ideas.”
”I have loved every moment of my participation with Diversity Films, from learning how to set up cameras, to seeing completed films appear on the big screen. All of the trainees were involved in a great deal of teamwork and discussion as to how to make the best film possible, and were given all the support and guidance from the staff at Diversity Films to help make this possible. We appeared at a variety of film festivals over the course of the last year, as well as appearing at more local venues, where we would be available for a Q and A session from the audience. This was a real confidence builder for all concerned, as all of the films were so well received wherever we went. This all stems from the first class training we got from everyone at Diversity Films, and shows just how important an organisation they are when they give such great opportunities to people such as ourselves who might never have been able to access such training without their help. I can’t emphasise strongly enough how much this experience has enriched my life, and brought great joy as well as encouragement and education to me, a disabled man who has very little of the above available to me. There are many others who could be helped out of the poverty of opportunity and one of the best ways of doing so would be to continue to fund Diversity Films in increasing the reach of the arts to people like myself. They were fantastic.”
”Diversity Films has given me access to a world that I normally would not inhabit. It has broadened my horizons both in a work and a social sense. The work they do for communities and young or inexperienced film-makers is invaluable.”
”If it wasn’t for Diversity I would not be where I am just now. I participated in two films one playing the lead role and a small part in another which I am extremely grateful for. Marie Olesen from Diversity put me in touch with Ken Loach whom I met in November 2010 and then I got another call in 2011 to audition for a part in his new feature he was making in Scotland I did really well at the first audition I got another call back in mid-february and then I got the best news I have had in a long time that I had secured the role of Dougie in his new film ‘The Angel’s Share’ which I filmed between May and June that year and will be released the summer of 2012. Diversity Films has helped me and so many others progress through telling stories through films which is the best way to get peoples thoughts and feelings across!.”
”I cannot quantify how much Diversity Films has helped me professionally, educationally and personally over the past year I have known them. I was part of the Starting Block programme, which gave me the opportunity to make my own short film. Not only did they give me a budget for the film, but I was given invaluable one to one writing and directing mentorship, which has given me skills I have utilised since the end of the project and I know I will be using for years to come. I was stuck in a rut that I was having trouble getting out of until a friend persuaded to enter a script idea to the Diversity Films Starting Block programme. Now I have a film that has been in over 100 film festivals worldwide, has given me the opportunity travel (Creative Scotland funded me to support the film at Palm Springs Shortfest and the Iris Prize, a cash prize I was nominated for by London) and has won me money with which I made my next short film with confidence, knowing I had the skills from my mentoring process. Today alone I have to send the film out to 7 requests, such as India, Mexico, New Zealand, Italy, and Korea, a year after production. Inspired by Diversity Films approach in the film industry, I started a filmmaking group made for experienced and non-experienced filmmakers who want to get people together to share ideas, talent and skills. The group consists of workshops on different areas of film, taught by local talent in the area and in the industry and allows people to bring their scripts and discuss them. Since starting up 6 months ago we already have between 20 – 30 people who attend our meetings regularly, we have almost 200 members on Facebook and 3 short films made and a fourth and fifth in production. Our youngest attendee is 14. All this as I felt I wanted to share and give others the opportunity to experience what I achieved with Diversity Films. The amount of friends I have made since working with Diversity Films is awesome, from backgrounds I may not have come into contact with otherwise. I would be very sad to see Diversity Films go, not just for myself, but I get anxious there won’t be others getting the same the opportunities I did with them.”
”My involvement has allowed me to attain new skills since retirement. This has been beneficial in ensuring that I have a rewarding life and gives me the ability to help charitable and educational institutes.”
”Diversity Films was a terrific experience. I’ve made 3 short films for the church prior to my contact with Diversity. Having had mental health problems, which facilitated my attendance at the course, I found it helped me mix with people again whilst doing something close to my heart. However, all further involvement stopped when, despite my prolific experience at script writing, sketches, acting, producing etc., the sort of material I generate was not considered appropriate for the competition that was run for a film making project. This was not the fault of Diversity Films in any way but I missed future involvement – good look to all of you guys!”
“It’s a sad day when a company that provides invaluable training and resources to filmmakers, brings social issues to the forefront and unites underprivileged communities can no longer exist because of lack of funds and government cuts…if this continues we will no longer be able to call ourselves a “creative Scotland”!!!”
“Just heard about Diversity – you know it seemed so right that I cannot believe it has gone – Scotland is poorer.”
“Just heard about Diversity. Such a shame…you know I understand!! You’ve got so much to be proud of.”
“Was just mid email to you but may as well say on here how sad and pissed off it makes me to hear the latest from Diversity! I think the press release sums up all our thoughts beautifully and I have enough thoughts to fill out survey monkey ten more times if it helps?! Not to be sentimental about it but I’ll never forget the experience of making My Father’s Son aswell as everything you, Doug and Diversity have done for me! Ps you have got to be the least bossy boss ever! luv ya. Onwards and upwards! ”
“The input you had with people in the communities was invaluable”
“It is really sad news. You guys are inspirational, but more than that, you trusted your novice film-makers to tell their stories, which is where the process became truly empowering….but you also gave us a professional foundation and invaluable mentoring on which to base our ideas […] … I want my film making to get better and better……and I will make more, trust me, but that is really thanks to you.”
“Best wishes from all the CineFringe Film Festival crew, it was a pleasure to have screened a small number of the many excellent films that Diversity made possible.”
“You guys have produced some fantastic work… I show your films on our Mobile Youth Centre – young people really like them. The work that you did with us during our Summer Youth Buzz was brilliant.”
“Really sorry to hear! Had such a fantastic time filming “My Father’s Son”
“I’ve seen many of your films in a variety of contexts, it would seem like a nonbrainer to fund the work that you do…the returns must be enormous in terms of skills and self confidence for participants.”
“You gave me the confidence to follow my dream and the skills to get noticed. It’s a shame more people won’t get this fantastic service. And I made some good friends too – thank you for being there and don’t lose heart you’ve achieved so much for so many.”
“I was glad to be involved in helping with the music score to Thomas Simpson’s brilliant short film, ‘I’ Alive’ and enjoyed the Starting Block programme of short films screened at the Glasgow Film Festival and Loch Ness Film Festival”
“Not good, Diversity Films provided a great facility for many and it’s a sign of the times that this has ceased. Hope you can revive it some way.”
Thank you so much to everyone who has commented and everyone who has taken part in a Diversity Films project!
INSPIRATION
We have been running a survey to find out what people who have been involved with Diversity Films get from being part of our work.
Topping the bill……?
Closely followed by…
* Knowledge *Skills, Friends & Film/TV/Media information *Motivation *Credit from working on a film *Awareness of community issues and social justice *Confidence and Contacts *Work Experience
Here are some of the comments so far!
“It made me realise my dream.”
“You’ve made such a difference for so many, raised the bar for and quality of grassroots film across the country. You and your work will be missed a lot a lot…”
”It was the first place where I did a more meaningful voluntary work: I worked within a small, dedicated and passionate team, which helped me a lot at the time to have more purpose and contributing ideas, plus gave me a really big motivation. It was really great to have been able to discover other communities of Glasgow, and make films with people there, so much good fun! Plus I worked with a variety of people from refugees to teenagers making their own music band. I learned a lot as well: using a camcorder, conducting an interview, organising film collections …I really wish I could have still volunteered there!”
”Without Diversity Films, I would not have been able to make my projects to the level I have. I have gained more skills in a short period of time that I had in previous years looking for work experience within companies. Diversity Films gave me and others a chance when no one else would. I will forever be indebted to them and would not hesitate to help them in the future if I was able to assist.”
”Being able to experience at first hand the dedication and commitment of the staff in taking the ‘mistique’ out of film making. This approach allowed those who would otherwise be somewhat reticent in becoming involved to approach this discipline with added confidence. Diversity Films is all about community activity and the way they i.e. the community can participate in the Film Industry.”
“I was saddened to hear that Starting Block is finishing. I had watched the films on-line and enjoyed them. I felt that the project was genuinely inspiring to young people and communities. I also thought that the project and its practice was inspiring to the film community.”
”Working with Diversity Films showed me what I needed to see to become a filmmaker. The help and experience I have gained through this will continue through out my career in whatever direction I decide to go.”
”Getting involved with Diversity was one of the most creatively rewarding things I have done in my life. I met great people, I learned new skills, I felt involved in something worthy and it has given me hope that I may be able to get involved in more film making like this in the future.”
“Before I attended Diversity Films workshops, I was a manic depressive, but they gave me something to look forward to and gave me some self worth, as well as teaching me a lot of aspects in the making of a film. Although I know there is so much more they could teach me, I enjoyed everything they had to offer and know of nowhere else I would have got this level of expertise and encouragement. Since Diversity I have entered the film I co-produced into several different festivals. To see the reaction of the public to the films we all produced was a great feeling. I have kept writing hoping that funding will be found for more film ideas. Doing this made me get out and about since this, I seem to have lost the get up and go this provided me with.”
“Diversity has been an invaluable aide in entering the film and television profession in Scotland. I was invited to meet lots of nice, interesting people who were already working in the industry. I was also given the opportunity to freely get involved with others who, like me, were keen to learn more about all aspects of making our own films and/or becoming a professional. Since its inception in 2007 Diversity Films has progressed with their programmes year-on-year so more successes are sure to follow, and as such, is a valuable resource that must not be lost.”
“It was fun being involved with Starting Block, I learnt about documentary film-making and getting your message accross, and how film can give you a voice and help you to share your experiences of disability or other stuff”
“I gained a valuable insight into the business of film making and gained a great deal of skills that are useful in other areas. I felt my time was well spent and would recommend Diversity to anyone interested in film making.”
“I have always been passionate about film making and Diversity gave me the chance to direct and produce my first film. I wouldn’t have been able to do this otherwise. I was given the chance to use professional equipment and train with industry professionals. As well as this I met great, like-minded people who will be useful contacts and great friends. Everything I have gained from working with Diversity has been invaluable to me and I can’t stress enough how much of a loss I feel it would be if Diversity was no longer available to Scottish film makers in the future!”
”For me Diversity Films is more than a community that I love to be in. They, like my second parents. When I first arrived to Glasgow, Diversity Films encourage me to work professionally in the film industry. Some of the many important influences were organising workshops within professional bodies, i.e. sound dubbing sessions at BBC (even few times) and 422.tv. Also because of my taking part with Diversity Films in filmmaking my name is knowing in filmmaking community and in the database (imdb) in the internet. I would encourage funding bodies to make Diversity Films operating, because what they do is very important activities, specially involving teenagers and many other diversities of people (local and asylum seekers and refugees).”
“My experience with Diversity Films, was working with film making equipment, a highly skilled team, to be valued by the team and the other participants. I felt comfortable and despite my lack of skills with technology I was able to contribute to the Barras Story. I really enjoyed the story boarding, carrying out research and taking pictures at the Barras which were included in another project at a Photographic Exhibition. I was really proud of my name being on the credits of the Barras Story and the follow on exhibition.”
”Diversity Films opened up a whole new part of life for me. So much that I think I could make a living on some of the skills that Diversity Films has taught me.”
”It’s really great that an organisation exists that gives indie filmmakers the chance to develop their skills and ideas.”
”I have loved every moment of my participation with Diversity Films, from learning how to set up cameras, to seeing completed films appear on the big screen. All of the trainees were involved in a great deal of teamwork and discussion as to how to make the best film possible, and were given all the support and guidance from the staff at Diversity Films to help make this possible. We appeared at a variety of film festivals over the course of the last year, as well as appearing at more local venues, where we would be available for a Q and A session from the audience. This was a real confidence builder for all concerned, as all of the films were so well received wherever we went. This all stems from the first class training we got from everyone at Diversity Films, and shows just how important an organisation they are when they give such great opportunities to people such as ourselves who might never have been able to access such training without their help. I can’t emphasise strongly enough how much this experience has enriched my life, and brought great joy as well as encouragement and education to me, a disabled man who has very little of the above available to me. There are many others who could be helped out of the poverty of opportunity and one of the best ways of doing so would be to continue to fund Diversity Films in increasing the reach of the arts to people like myself. They were fantastic.”
”Diversity Films has given me access to a world that I normally would not inhabit. It has broadened my horizons both in a work and a social sense. The work they do for communities and young or inexperienced film-makers is invaluable.”
”If it wasn’t for Diversity I would not be where I am just now. I participated in two films one playing the lead role and a small part in another which I am extremely grateful for. Marie Olesen from Diversity put me in touch with Ken Loach whom I met in November 2010 and then I got another call in 2011 to audition for a part in his new feature he was making in Scotland I did really well at the first audition I got another call back in mid-february and then I got the best news I have had in a long time that I had secured the role of Dougie in his new film ‘The Angel’s Share’ which I filmed between May and June that year and will be released the summer of 2012. Diversity Films has helped me and so many others progress through telling stories through films which is the best way to get peoples thoughts and feelings across!.”
”I cannot quantify how much Diversity Films has helped me professionally, educationally and personally over the past year I have known them. I was part of the Starting Block programme, which gave me the opportunity to make my own short film. Not only did they give me a budget for the film, but I was given invaluable one to one writing and directing mentorship, which has given me skills I have utilised since the end of the project and I know I will be using for years to come. I was stuck in a rut that I was having trouble getting out of until a friend persuaded to enter a script idea to the Diversity Films Starting Block programme. Now I have a film that has been in over 100 film festivals worldwide, has given me the opportunity travel (Creative Scotland funded me to support the film at Palm Springs Shortfest and the Iris Prize, a cash prize I was nominated for by London) and has won me money with which I made my next short film with confidence, knowing I had the skills from my mentoring process. Today alone I have to send the film out to 7 requests, such as India, Mexico, New Zealand, Italy, and Korea, a year after production. Inspired by Diversity Films approach in the film industry, I started a filmmaking group made for experienced and non-experienced filmmakers who want to get people together to share ideas, talent and skills. The group consists of workshops on different areas of film, taught by local talent in the area and in the industry and allows people to bring their scripts and discuss them. Since starting up 6 months ago we already have between 20 – 30 people who attend our meetings regularly, we have almost 200 members on Facebook and 3 short films made and a fourth and fifth in production. Our youngest attendee is 14. All this as I felt I wanted to share and give others the opportunity to experience what I achieved with Diversity Films. The amount of friends I have made since working with Diversity Films is awesome, from backgrounds I may not have come into contact with otherwise. I would be very sad to see Diversity Films go, not just for myself, but I get anxious there won’t be others getting the same the opportunities I did with them.”
”My involvement has allowed me to attain new skills since retirement. This has been beneficial in ensuring that I have a rewarding life and gives me the ability to help charitable and educational institutes.”
”Diversity Films was a terrific experience. I’ve made 3 short films for the church prior to my contact with Diversity. Having had mental health problems, which facilitated my attendance at the course, I found it helped me mix with people again whilst doing something close to my heart. However, all further involvement stopped when, despite my prolific experience at script writing, sketches, acting, producing etc., the sort of material I generate was not considered appropriate for the competition that was run for a film making project. This was not the fault of Diversity Films in any way but I missed future involvement – good look to all of you guys!”
“It’s a sad day when a company that provides invaluable training and resources to filmmakers, brings social issues to the forefront and unites underprivileged communities can no longer exist because of lack of funds and government cuts…if this continues we will no longer be able to call ourselves a “creative Scotland”!!!”
“Just heard about Diversity – you know it seemed so right that I cannot believe it has gone – Scotland is poorer.”
“Just heard about Diversity. Such a shame…you know I understand!! You’ve got so much to be proud of.”
“Was just mid email to you but may as well say on here how sad and pissed off it makes me to hear the latest from Diversity! I think the press release sums up all our thoughts beautifully and I have enough thoughts to fill out survey monkey ten more times if it helps?! Not to be sentimental about it but I’ll never forget the experience of making My Father’s Son aswell as everything you, Doug and Diversity have done for me! Ps you have got to be the least bossy boss ever!
luv ya. Onwards and upwards! 
”
“The input you had with people in the communities was invaluable”
“It is really sad news. You guys are inspirational, but more than that, you trusted your novice film-makers to tell their stories, which is where the process became truly empowering….but you also gave us a professional foundation and invaluable mentoring on which to base our ideas […] … I want my film making to get better and better……and I will make more, trust me, but that is really thanks to you.”
“Best wishes from all the CineFringe Film Festival crew, it was a pleasure to have screened a small number of the many excellent films that Diversity made possible.”
“You guys have produced some fantastic work… I show your films on our Mobile Youth Centre – young people really like them. The work that you did with us during our Summer Youth Buzz was brilliant.”
“Really sorry to hear! Had such a fantastic time filming “My Father’s Son”
“I’ve seen many of your films in a variety of contexts, it would seem like a nonbrainer to fund the work that you do…the returns must be enormous in terms of skills and self confidence for participants.”
“You gave me the confidence to follow my dream and the skills to get noticed. It’s a shame more people won’t get this fantastic service. And I made some good friends too – thank you for being there and don’t lose heart you’ve achieved so much for so many.”
“I was glad to be involved in helping with the music score to Thomas Simpson’s brilliant short film, ‘I’ Alive’ and enjoyed the Starting Block programme of short films screened at the Glasgow Film Festival and Loch Ness Film Festival”
“Not good, Diversity Films provided a great facility for many and it’s a sign of the times that this has ceased. Hope you can revive it some way.”
Thank you so much to everyone who has commented and everyone who has taken part in a Diversity Films project!
More to follow….