About this project

Date in the diary

December 2007 - April 2008

The Deal

in 2007, Durham Council Council and Engage / Superkrush Films created an innovative and successful film project about Teenage Pregnancy, funded by Mediabox.

A group of 15 young people worked with Engage in a series of tailor made Drama/Acting and Creative Writing workshops. They were introduced to all elements of film making including acting, scriptwriting, filming and sound recording. The workshops allowed the children to take a lead in discussing, creating and developing ideas for the short film and to oversee every step from development to post-production.

What's it About?

Teenager Leah is pregnant and only has a week to decide whether she wants to keep the baby. During an argument with the father, he accidentally knocks her unconscious. Leah wakes up in a miraculous world where she follows a young hooded boy through a forest into a deserted house. Inside, she discovers a magical palace and meets some strange characters who all represent different opinions and options for her future. She realised that her future is with the boy and when she wakes up from her coma, she makes the decision to keep the baby.

Did it end up on the Cutting Room Floor?

Legacy was premiered at the Gala in Durham in April 2008.

It was also selected as part of the official selection of the Schlingel Film Festival in Germany. Two project participants were invited to come along and to hold a Q&A session after the screening.

Why was it great?

As a direct result of the three-day shoot, two of the young participants have gained places on college courses, studying performing arts and design technology respectively and three of the young people involved have gained their bronze Arts Award; equivalent to a GCSE.