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2 years, 12 months ago - Moira Rowan
Hi
We are trying to help a mental health initiative that wants to pilot a scheme in the UK, It's called 'Friendship Benches' whereby designated Park Benches are used to allow people to sit on park benches and discuss issues, with a basically trained therapist, we aim to use actors to work of transcripts on subjects eg loneliness, bereavement, aging, unfortunately this is not paid work, as we work on an extremely tight budget however we will give everyone credits in our film
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2 years, 12 months ago - Garry Jenkins
Hi Moira,
Whereabouts do you need people? I'm based in the South West, sounds like a nice project to be involved with.
Garry
Response from 2 years, 12 months ago - Garry Jenkins SHOW
2 years, 12 months ago - Moira Rowan
Hi Garry
Good to hear from you, were are you based? I'm impressed with your cv online we will probably film in London, not sure if you ever come through to our side of the world?
Response from 2 years, 12 months ago - Moira Rowan SHOW
2 years, 12 months ago - Jane Stokes
Hi, Moira, This sounds like a great project. I would like to help out on the writing side if you need that -- for example, putting the transcripts into more of a 'story' form? Where are you going to be based? All the best,
Jane
Response from 2 years, 12 months ago - Jane Stokes SHOW
2 years, 12 months ago - Moira Rowan
Hi Jane
Good to hear from you, yes we could certainly use some help with the transcripts, I will email you separately
BW
Moira
Response from 2 years, 12 months ago - Moira Rowan SHOW
2 years, 11 months ago - Maureen Casey
Hi Moira,
This sounds very interesting, I am an ex mental health worker as well as an actor so I would like to hear more. Just want to check one thing. Are all participants on the project volunteers? I’m very happy to do things voluntarily for a good cause but on a few occasions I’ve later found out that the actors are the only ones working for no pay.
Best wishes
Maureen
Response from 2 years, 11 months ago - Maureen Casey SHOW
2 years, 11 months ago - pete hall
Hi Maureen, Moira
Thats funny, I find thats its the camera crew that are expected to work for free on good causes! So I do know exactly what you mean. Nowadays I'm very wary of being taken for a ride. The crunch point is disclosure of the financials and identity of the organizers.
So, Moira: I also am interested in this particular project. I run a fully pro shooting rig up to 4k with very reasonable goodwill rates for social value work. I'm London based. Would you like to put me in touch with the organizer? Many thanks.
Response from 2 years, 11 months ago - pete hall SHOW
2 years, 11 months ago - Moira Rowan
Hi Pete
We heard about the Friendship Bench organization in Zimbabwe, it is a non Government Organization NGO registered in Zimbabwe, as a private voluntary organisation with the Department of Social Services.
We heard that they wanted to pilot these Friendship benches in the UK,I met with the originator and said I wanted to make a short film to help them, I have noted there are various initiatives in the UK to combat loneliness and depression eg Happy Bench Project, Chatty Benches, Yellow Benches but the Friendship Bench goes a bit further in that they offer a therapist with basic skills to chat to you.
I work freelance, I have received no payment nor has my colleague who does the filming and editing Most of my films are made to help and highlight community projects, it can be very expensive as I don't just make films I put them into festivals, and try and help the people who have offered their time to us.
My last film " Annabelle's Aerodynamic car' on an 11 year old schoolgirl who designed a wind powered car, has done very well in TV and Film Freeway emailed us to tell us we have been one of the most successful participants on their platform.
In addition we have won recognition for some of the composers who have collaborated on my films in the past.
So for the budding thespian or actor, who wants a credit with my film, or even if you are interested in projects on mental health, pls contact me
Response from 2 years, 11 months ago - Moira Rowan SHOW
2 years, 11 months ago - Liv Edmunds
Hi there
This sounds like a great project to be involved in. I’m a huge advocate for mental health charities as I live with mental health issues within my family and know how hard it. Am be seeking help I live near London if you need help with actors
I mainly produce at the moment but have a vast CV of acting and presenting work over the last 20 years let me know if you need any info
Response from 2 years, 11 months ago - Liv Edmunds SHOW