First cut is a Joint Security Initiative funded project that aims to get young people working together on creative projects. The project was set up by 3 LCC graduates. The main aim of the project is to tackle to problem of anti social behavior and help bring communities together. The project in partnership with London College of Communication (Interactive and Moving Image Pathway).

On the 26th October we ran our first six day film workshop. Over the course of the week, workshop participants where set the challenge to create a short film from start to finish. The film was entirely led by the workshop participants both in narrative and in craft. It will eventually be screened in a fancy venue and all the estate will be invited.

Along with the film, there is a making of documentary which was also filmed and edited by workshop participants.

This workshop was ultimately an outreach program which aimed to tackle the problem of anti social behavior and help bring the community together.

Who is involved

30 local people aged 10 - 45 from JMB Estates (Southwark)
first cut is in partnership with London College of Communication, Interactive and Moving Image Pathway. Four graduate speakers from the University of the Arts where invited to give a talk, each person was individually selected for their exceptional work. All Speakers spend the rest of the day sitting with groups offering advise and inspiration.

We had a fantastic Actress who held improvisational exercises with the participants on the first and second day. We also had a team of other UAL student helpers who have skills in different creative disciplines. A Hair and Makeup stylist and a photographer were present throughout the week.

Who organised it?

first cut was created and run by three University of the Arts graduates (LCC, Interactive and moving image pathway); Greg Ward, Hassan Alsekafi and Patrick Mcquade. The graduates pitched the idea to JMB Leathermarket (southwark council) who had contacted the University for ideas on tackling the problems in their community.

The project eventually received funding from 'the Joint Security Initiative' a government funding organisation