Young film fans are offered free camera action

Young people are being offered free access to more than 15,000 worth of computer equipment and digital cameras under the new scheme.

The Screenscene project will allow youths to create everything from documentaries to horror films.

The initiative is being run by city-based Young People Speak Out, which has been praised for schemes credited with improving the behaviour of "difficult" school pupils.

Under Screenscene, people aged 12 to 21 are given the opportunity to use animation and movie-making software, including professional editing packages during free drop-in sessions each Saturday.

Young People Speak Out co-ordinator Pete Gregson today said the fledgling project would help to "fuel the ambitions" of budding directors.

He added: "This is a way to get people interested in computers and technology by exploring a new art form and making things they wouldn’t normally be able to make. We’ve had some quite impressive work done."

Mr Gregson said youngsters taking part in previous YPSO schemes had advanced from basic projects, such as editing party videos, to "impressive" endeavours such as short drama films.

Participants can use resources including i-Mac 800 computers, PCs and camcorders during drop-ins from 10am to 5.30pm.

A selection of completed Screenscene videos will premiere at YPSO’s annual gala at the Filmhouse in Lothian Road. Training is also being offered in digital photography, web design, graphics and animation.

The scheme follows a recommendation by Edinburgh City Council chiefs to create a series of bases across the Capital where people can follow up specialist interests. YPSO received about 8000 in funding from the Edinburgh Youth Social Inclusion Partnership to allow Screenscene to run until March. The organisation already offers an outreach service to schools and youth groups, which has been lauded by teachers for its "startling" impact on behaviour.

Teachers have reported that almost 60 per cent of truants and disruptive pupils showed significant improvements in behaviour after taking part in a YPSO project.

City education leader Ewan Aitken added: "Young People Speak Out were chosen to pilot this because they have a long track record in helping young people express themselves using video. We want to develop more initiatives like this."

Moat councillor Andrew Burns applauded the YPSO’s "innovative and exciting" approach to working with young people.