Cinema history, scouting locations and filming techniques are just some of the skills a small band of enthusiasts are learning as part of Moree’s first disAbility filmmaking group.
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I Ability Films: Inclusive Imagination launched in Moree at the start of August, and already the group has been out and about putting into practice all they have learnt so far.
Led by Moree man Byron Phillips, the inclusive filmmaking group is aimed at giving adults with disabilities the opportunity to dream big and express their creativity through the filmmaking process.
The small, but enthusiast crew have been meeting every Friday since August 3, covering a different topic of filmmaking each week.
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So far they have learnt about cinema history and film genres, the methods of filming and framing shots, music in film, scouting locations, how to use the camera equipment and more.
“There’s a lot of information we’re getting through,” Mr Phillips said.
“We try to mix it up so it’s not just theory, it’s practical as well. We do a lot in two hours.”
Now five weeks in and Mr Phillips said it’s great to see how much each of the five members are learning.
“I’ve noticed the progression from week one and how the group’s picking up things and taking to different roles as well,” he said.
“They’re all learning a bit more about films and we’re getting a lot of ideas and content coming through from the group.
“Everyone’s enjoying it.”
Cliff Fletcher has been enjoying coming along each Friday for the past five weeks and said it gives him something to do.
“I enjoy it, it’s good learning new things,” he said.
“It’s also teaching me about different things around town.”
Another member, Troy Bexon, has loved his role as crewman.
“I get to hold the clapboard and reflection,” he said.
“I also liked doing the green screen stuff.”
“It’s full of fun,” fellow member Nick Baird said.
Meanwhile, Alan Worrell is enjoying being a part of something different.
“I’m interested in making film,” he said.
The most recent class looked at 1950s drive-in films and how to shoot conversations. So the group chose who would be in front of the camera and who would be behind the scenes, dressed up in costumes and headed to ‘downtown LA’ to film a 1950s black and white film trailer.
Camera operator Cherie prefers to be behind the camera.
“I don’t like doing the acting,” she said.
“I’m enjoying learning how films are made.”
This week I Ability Films also announced their very first film project – a documentary on the history of the Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre and the 1965 Freedom Ride.
The crew will spend the remaining five weeks of ‘season one’ of I Ability Films filming the Dhiiyaan Centre documentary before holding a public screening at a venue and date to be advised.
Mr Phillips said this will be the first of many short films to come for the group, which aims to share the community’s stories.
“There’s plenty of stories to tell and as a group, we can tell them,” he said.
Each I Ability Films ‘season’ will be split into three-month blocks, with season two to begin in late October.
More people are encouraged to join in the fun for season two.
Mr Phillips would like to thank FundAbility for providing funding for the purchase of equipment, including a range of assisted technology gear.
For more information on I Ability Films, or to follow what they’re up to, check out the I Ability Films : Inclusive Imagination Facebook page.