Scottish Youth Film Foundation
Presenters of Fife TV interviewing Sanjeev Kohli
Carnegie Dunfermline Trust Supported Youth Filmmaking Project with £3,000 Grant
The Carnegie Dunfermline Trust was delighted to support an inspiring youth filmmaking project with a grant of £3,000. This project engaged young people from Dunfermline, offering them the chance to explore film production, build new skills and participate in the Scottish Youth Film Festival, held locally in Dunfermline.
Aiming to Inspire Future Filmmakers
The funded project set out to bring together a group of young people and immerse them in the filmmaking process. Over several weeks, the participants learned how to create short films, experiment with creative techniques, and eventually produce a TV‑show‑style programme to be showcased at the festival.
The intention was not only to equip them with technical skills but also to show them that a future in the film industry was within reach. The project team continued to work with Fife TV and wider partners to maintain momentum and help young people access further creative opportunities in places such as Dundee and Stirling.
Weekly Sessions and Hands‑On Learning
Across five weeks, the project ran five intensive filmmaking sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours and attended by 12 young people. The Youth Action team played a crucial role, providing 2 to 4 staff members per session—staff who also learned alongside the participants.
Throughout the workshops, the group explored:
Basic camera operation
Interviewing techniques
Green screen and visual effects
Social media content creation
Hands‑on filming assignments outside the sessions
Participants also attended both days of the Scottish Youth Film Festival, gaining first‑hand experience of Scotland’s creative community.
A Transformative Impact on Young People
The project had a significant and lasting impact. By the time the festival arrived, the young people were thriving—many voluntarily attending extra sessions and helping shape the final TV show.
Several participants have since expressed plans to apply for the Sean Connery Youth Talent Lab, a prestigious and competitive training programme. Their confidence, curiosity, and ambition grew markedly, showing just how far their learning had taken them.
The TV show they created—featuring an interview with renowned Scottish actor and comedian Sanjeev Kohli—is available to watch here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2WnY77kaCU
What the Young People Said
Tod: “I learned to open up my creative mind and contribute ideas to the project.”
Emily: “It wasn’t an industry that I’d considered being a part of… everything I know now is because of these guys.”
Ryan: “Going live I was physically shaking to start with, but afterwards it wasn’t that scary… I got to meet plenty of like‑minded individuals.”
Tammy: “I’ve learnt how to bring my ideas to the table, bring my initiative, and how to plan.”
Strong Partnerships and Smooth Delivery
Thanks to excellent collaboration with Youth Action and the Dunfermline Learning Centre, the project ran with very few challenges. The Learning Centre staff were exceptionally helpful and ensured the group had access to the right facilities—even when last‑minute room changes were required. The venue proved ideal for a hands‑on creative project of this kind.
Lessons Learned
While the project was a clear success, the organisers reflected that having additional preparation time would have strengthened the early stages. Despite this, ongoing work with the group continues to ensure they make the most of their new skills and stay connected to future opportunities.
A Project That Embodied Our Values
The Carnegie Dunfermline Trust is proud to have supported a project that fostered creativity, confidence, and aspiration among local young people. By helping them develop tangible skills and access meaningful experiences, the project fully aligned with our mission to enrich lives and open doors to opportunity within the Dunfermline community.