Newbie: Inspirational short film about kindness
Donation protected
When novice teacher Mike meets his new class for the first time, he’s worried the kids won’t see past his disability, but soon realises that he too has lessons to learn.
Director James Skinner and producer Premila Puri (Be Kind Productions) are looking to raise the funds needed to shoot this inspirational short film this summer and you can help make this a reality!
James says:
"As well as being an independent filmmaker, I teach filmmaking in South London schools. It was whilst delivering one of my courses that I met the Year 6 class that inspired ‘Newbie’. Like the story’s protagonist, Mike, I have sometimes been apprehensive before meeting a new class, not knowing how they will respond to me. However, this particular group of children put me at ease instantly. This diverse group of pupils demonstrate incredible kindness to one another whilst having fantastic (and sometimes cheeky) personalities. The culture of kindness that I have witnessed in this primary school and many others is something I believe is worth celebrating.
Meeting these children led me to devise this story involving a student teacher, who is a physically-disabled wheelchair user, on their first day with their new class. I want to explore the idea that sometimes it is children who may be the ones to set a good example and teach lessons to adults.
Having volunteered for over 25 years with adults who have physical disabilities, I have seen first-hand how much difference kindness can make to these individuals. I also understand the great need for increased representation of people with disabilities on our screens."
The planned distribution strategy for 'Newbie' involves a comprehensive festival run, including festivals where James and Premila's films have screened previously (including Raindance and Encounters). Following a successful festival run, we will seek online distribution through streaming platforms and other online channels. In addition to this, the film will be included in Be Kind Movement’s short film catalogue and be watched by thousands of children and staff as part of their Kindness in School Programme™. The programme aims to build emotional intelligence skills in children for life using short films and the transformative power of kindness. These skills equip children and young people with tools to help them cope with challenges in the playground as children, and challenges at work as adults. The films that have been shown as part of this programme so far include James' award-winning short film 'Fabulous' (https://www.depict.org/2020/fabulous/) and Premila's award-winning 'Itsy' (https://vimeo.com/275518766). Be Kind Movement are really enthusiastic about 'Newbie' and we are delighted to have their support to include Newbie in their short film catalogue.
We can't wait to bring the story of ‘Newbie’ to audiences of all ages. I believe we can all learn something from the kindness of children and if we can do this whilst being entertained, then even better!
Director James Skinner and producer Premila Puri (Be Kind Productions) are looking to raise the funds needed to shoot this inspirational short film this summer and you can help make this a reality!
James says:
"As well as being an independent filmmaker, I teach filmmaking in South London schools. It was whilst delivering one of my courses that I met the Year 6 class that inspired ‘Newbie’. Like the story’s protagonist, Mike, I have sometimes been apprehensive before meeting a new class, not knowing how they will respond to me. However, this particular group of children put me at ease instantly. This diverse group of pupils demonstrate incredible kindness to one another whilst having fantastic (and sometimes cheeky) personalities. The culture of kindness that I have witnessed in this primary school and many others is something I believe is worth celebrating.
Meeting these children led me to devise this story involving a student teacher, who is a physically-disabled wheelchair user, on their first day with their new class. I want to explore the idea that sometimes it is children who may be the ones to set a good example and teach lessons to adults.
Having volunteered for over 25 years with adults who have physical disabilities, I have seen first-hand how much difference kindness can make to these individuals. I also understand the great need for increased representation of people with disabilities on our screens."
The planned distribution strategy for 'Newbie' involves a comprehensive festival run, including festivals where James and Premila's films have screened previously (including Raindance and Encounters). Following a successful festival run, we will seek online distribution through streaming platforms and other online channels. In addition to this, the film will be included in Be Kind Movement’s short film catalogue and be watched by thousands of children and staff as part of their Kindness in School Programme™. The programme aims to build emotional intelligence skills in children for life using short films and the transformative power of kindness. These skills equip children and young people with tools to help them cope with challenges in the playground as children, and challenges at work as adults. The films that have been shown as part of this programme so far include James' award-winning short film 'Fabulous' (https://www.depict.org/2020/fabulous/) and Premila's award-winning 'Itsy' (https://vimeo.com/275518766). Be Kind Movement are really enthusiastic about 'Newbie' and we are delighted to have their support to include Newbie in their short film catalogue.
We can't wait to bring the story of ‘Newbie’ to audiences of all ages. I believe we can all learn something from the kindness of children and if we can do this whilst being entertained, then even better!
Give £500 to help get this fundraiser to its goal
Fundraising team (2)
James Skinner
Organizer
England
Premila Puri
Team member
This team raised £1,820 from 3 other donations.
