The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
DD8 group looking to broaden its horizons
kirriemuir: Group behind successful BonFest looks to provide opportunities for younger people
The DD8 Music group behind Kirriemuir’s BonFest is broadening its horizons to offer opportunities for local young people.
As preparations continue for this year’s celebration of AC/DC frontman Bon Scott, which will draw fans of the band from across the globe to Angus, the community youth group is also to expand into the worlds of film and photography with sessions DD8 hope may open career doors for those who get involved.
The new venture also promises to bring experts to the town who are eager to share their experience.
DD8 already hosts a number of music and recording sessions at its Bellies Brae base, and from Monday it will stage the new film and photography initiative from 5 to 7pm.
The course will be run by Graham Galloway and Craig Cantwell, and while the focus will be decided by those taking part, there will be the option to train and use professional cameras and software.
Prior to working with young people, Graham built up a decade of experience in the film and television business and plans to bring that expertise to the sessions so those taking part will have a chance to learn some practical skills if they’re interested in a career in the media.
“The minute I mentioned I was thinking of running the course I had friends who still work in the industry get in touch saying they’d love to help,” said Graham.
“So we’re looking at having regular guest speakers to the group to speak about their jobs and their career journey.
“So far I’ve got a professional movie stills photographer, a costume designer, a documentary director, a location manager and an animator who worked for Disney. They bring a wealth of professional experience, having worked on everything from Marvel movies to Ken Loach films.
“They’ll be speaking about their dayto-day jobs, but I’m sure we can also persuade them to give up some stories of the Hollywood stars they’ve worked with.”
The photography side of the group will be run by professional photographer Craig Cantwell, who also has years of youth work experience from his time managing the Strathmore Centre for Youth Development project in Blairgowrie.
Craig said “I am really looking forward to working in partnership with DD8 Music to help deliver this new project and share some of my experience.
“Young people will learn a variety of new skills and be able to gain an invaluable insight into the film and photography world.
“It will be open to all abilities for those between 12 and 16-years-old and I would urge anyone interested to register their interest with DD8 Music asap.”
We’re looking at having regular guest speakers to the group to speak about their jobs and their career journey. GRAHAM GALLOWAY