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Following our article on how a careers session led to a unique filmmaking opportunity for a group of young people, the second in our National Careers Week (1-6 March) series is just as special. We recently had the honour of inviting Barbara Broccoli - the producer of the James Bond franchise, West End and Broadway theatre productions such as Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang, as well as one of Into Film trustees - to a Q&A with our Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
It was fantastic to hear Barbara speak such wise words of wisdom and provide some incredibly interesting stories and advice that those such as myself with a passion for film are just so grateful to have received.
YAC member and host of the Q&A, Eden
Being a member of Into Film's Youth Advisory Council has been a different experience this last year. Usually, we gather our five different YAC groups once a quarter at our offices in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the North of England and London. From the onset of the global pandemic we have not been able to do that, but we have still been meeting online and the contributions, insight and guidance from our Youth Advisory Council members has been exemplary - as usual - and helped to guide us during these difficult times.
An important part of the Youth Advisory Council is connecting young people with professionals who work within the industry and past guests include ones from organisations such as BAFTA, BBFC and the BBC. With that sort of engagement being so limited for the last year, we decided to try and reward our YAC members with a special industry engagement at the end of 2020, and this is where Barbara Broccoli comes in.
My daughter thoroughly enjoyed this afternoon's session with Barbara. During these strange times when young people have such limited contact with their friends it is online events like this that gives a platform for enjoyment. This means more than you realise.
Parent of a YAC member
Barbara joined us just before Christmas from New York and was interviewed by YAC members Eden and Cody, with questions sent in by our YAC members from their homes all across the UK.
Questions covered a whole range of topics including the role of women in the film industry, advice on how to get started in their careers, who were Barbara's early inspirations and mentors, and in-depth questions on the role of a producer including what the most difficult part of that role is. Barbara's answers to all those questions were honest, inspiring, and engaging.
The feedback from YAC members and parents was all extremely appreciative:
"It was such a privilege getting to hear someone who's had an amazing career talk about their experiences in the industry. It really inspired me to keep pushing towards my dream to work in the film industry in the future". YAC Member
"What a wonderful event! My daughter found it so interesting and was so inspired. Barbara gave such insightful answers and great advice for those interested in working in the film industry, which my daughter really took on board. The compassion she expressed for young people at this time was incredibly moving. The YAC members are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear from such an important figure within the industry". YAC Parent
Cody and Eden were great hosts and could easily have a future in hosting interviews with industry figures. It was a truly formative experience for them as well:
"I was a little nervous about co-hosting a live Q&A with Barbara Broccoli, but I had no reason to be as she was so nice. I loved listening to all her fantastic achievements in the industry over the years. It has made me truly excited and determined to pursue a career in the film industry in the future". Cody
"I am so grateful to have been able to ask Barbara Broccoli some fascinating questions provided by other YAC members! It was fantastic to hear Barbara speak such wise words of wisdom and provide some incredibly interesting stories and advice that those such as myself with a passion for film are just so grateful to have received this evening. She is truly an inspiration for all young filmmakers and is such a positive, hardworking, passionate, driven and successful role model". Eden
We hope to bring more inspiring events to our YAC members during 2021 and we are pleased to announce that in the spring we will be opening up our applications to become YAC members in 2021/22. If you want to find out more about the Youth Advisory Council, head to our main page and if you'd like to be kept informed when applications reopen then drop us an email at YAC@intofilm.org
Finally, we would like to give a huge thank you to Barbara Broccoli for bringing such happiness and inspiration to our equally inspiring Youth Advisory Council members from right across the UK.
