MINI movie stars in the making are learning the tricks of the trade at a youth film club.

Signals Media Arts Centre in Colchester set up the film club three years ago.

Victoria Button, education co-ordinator, said: “We do everything practically, we watch clips of examples then show them how to use the cameras and go out and film themselves.

“They have a lot of influence over what we do, then we script it and try to do everything with them.

"The younger group learns about equipment and how to take care of it, and the older groups go a lot more in depth.”

The club runs projects funded through grants and it recently made a film about Essex Girls, aimed at challenging the negative stereotype around Essex women through exploring their history.

The project was made possible by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Ms Button is now looking to run a space-themed project.

She said: “We are hopefully going to be doing a new project about black holes using the green screens. The children enjoy documentaries but sometimes it’s nice to make up your own story. It’s quite hands-on and practical, but we do let them have fun, while trying to get across some difficult concepts.”

At the club, the children get the chance to experience shooting, script writing, directing, sound recording, editing and animation.

It runs every Monday evening, with nine to 13-year - olds from 4pm until 5pm, and 14 to 19-year-olds from 5pm until 7pm.

The first group is £2.50, and the older group £3.50.

For more information, contact 01206 560 255 or education@signals.org.uk Do you have a club you would like us to feature? Contact us on 01206 508478.