Lisa Prime, Children and Young People Manager at BAFTA, is part of the expert panel of judges for Childnet Film Competition 2021, which is open to all schools and youth groups in the UK.
Here, Lisa explains how she separates fact from fiction online and what she will be looking out for from this year’s competition submissions…
- Lisa, can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at BAFTA?
I’m the programme manager for children and young people, overseeing BAFTA’s events and initiatives for under 18s. It’s a very varied job and might involve producing events, previews, masterclasses; running competitions for BAFTA Young Game Designers and Young Presenters or working with partners across film, games and TV to share expertise from the media industry and more generally encourage creativity and promote mental wellbeing and aspiration. - What’s the best part about your job?
Meeting young people. That’s been the toughest part of the past 12 months. Normally I would be in schools or running events at festivals. There is nothing better than having an audience react and being able to engage directly with young people. - This year’s theme is ‘Separating fact from fiction’. We all see unreliable content online so what do you do to separate fact from fiction online?
Ensure I am receiving news and information from a number of different sources and not just existing in a bubble created by an algorithm. Have a questioning mind and appreciate that even when something appears factual, or is based on real events, the creative team may have their own particular vision of the story that will be different to someone else telling the same story. - What will you be looking for from this year’s entries?
I like films to challenge and surprise me but most of all, it should be authentic. I want to know that the film is created by young people and that it’s giving them a voice. - What advice do you have for making a short film?
Particularly this year, just enjoy the process. Being creative is vital to our identity and mental wellbeing. And, if possible, work with friends. Film making is a collaborative experience and this is a great opportunity to swap ideas and create something together. - Can you describe the first time you saw a film at the cinema?
I was very young and went with my family to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I was absolutely terrified of the Child Catcher but I loved the big screen, the colour, the music. It’s actually one of my earliest memories so obviously made a big impression!
Schools and youth groups have until Tuesday 1st June to submit entries within the primary category (7-11 year olds), secondary category (11-18 year olds), and storyboard category. Click on your chosen category to find out more.
