Skills training on offer as Wirral TV site launched

Apr 22 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

Skills training on offer as Wirral TV site launched

A NEW television production station could be broadcasting on Freeview within a couple of years, according to those behind the scheme.

Set up as a non-profit making social enterprise, Wirraltv launched its website with a party at Birkenhead’s Williamson Art Gallery.

The site features short films by residents of the peninsula as part of a broader training package which aims to help long-term unemployed, community groups and schoolchildren make films.

Development manager Mike Power said the website would focus on the area up to and including Ellesmere Port and Neston, but would also feature aspects of local life which affect Wirral, such as the Capital of Culture celebrations.

The project, backed by five local community trusts, offers training in all aspects of television production, and aims to help unemployed people gain media skills to enter the television industry or higher education.

Mr Power said: “At some stage, it has to make money and stand on its own two feet, but it’s non-profit making, which means any money it makes over costs will be invested in further equipment or put back into the community.”

He said: “The emphasis is getting people from the community making films – 75% of the people filming at this launch were long-term unemployed, people who would never have thought they would do this.”

One of those was Paul Johnson, 44, from Claughton, a former coach driver who has ambitions to become an editor or director.

He said: “I was a coach driver for 20 years and was ill for about four years when I took a course at Birkenhead Sixth Form College.

“I just love editing – I would love to do that, or maybe direct. I can’t watch TV without editing it in my head.”

Mr Johnson has also encouraged friends of his to join the team and was filming the launch party, including an interview with former member of 60s band The Scaffold, John Gorman.

Currently, 15 long-term unemployed are receiving hands-on camera, audio and editing experience from a team from Planet X Productions who make programmes such as Hidden Treasures, for Granada.

Wirral council deputy leader Phil Davies added: “It has to wash its face commercially and there are plans in place for it to do this – and as they have been explained to me they are very exciting and definitely achievable.”

liammurphy