Mini Masterpieces 2007 experimented with 'multi-platform narratives’, working with a range of young people, making films to post on YouTube.

Five teams of young filmmakers contributed shots and scenes, like an online version of the game of consequences, that added up to a longer narrative.

The five teams didn’t meet each other, but developed their characters and uploaded short films responding to the posts made by the other characters. It was completely open and anyone who came across the films could get in on the act, inventing a character and uploading a film.

Inevitably, the first film set the parameters within which all the subsequent films had to work. The PVA Media Lab group in Dorset were the first off the starting blocks, they came up with Pete and Emily. After a discussion about how to tell stories in an open way to try and ensure that whatever they made would allow other people to join in and contribute to the project, they came up with three main story lines and invented the first two characters.

The story...

Part 1
Pete is an all round good guy. He looks after his friends and puts up with a lot of bother from his brother, Billy-Bob. Now he’s looking after Emily too…

Part 2
Emily is Pete’s friend. She’s a bit of a mystery; she hasn’t told Pete and Billy Bob the real reason why she was thrown out by her mum, but she has told Chantelle…

The second group to join came from Channel Zero in St. Paul’s, Bristol. They decided to pick up on Emily’ reference to her friend Chantelle. They also created ‘Dave’, who has bought the stolen camera.

Part 3
Chantelle invents Liam, Emily’s little brother. How’s he coping back at home?

Part 4
Dave came from out of the blue. Picking up on the idea that Billy Bob has stolen the camera, the Channel Zero group invented Dave, the guy who bought the camera from Billy Bob.

The third group off the starting blocks was Knowle West Media Centre’s Digital Fish group. They picked up on storylines started by each of the preceding groups.

Part 5
Liam makes an appearance. He’s sad Emily is not around anymore.

Part 6
Picking up another strand of the story, Sara was referred to in Pete’s film. She is helping Pete make a film.

Group number four were from Suited and Booted’s ClubFlix filmmaking club. They departed from the convention of shooting the films in a video diary style and introduced a more dramatic approach.

Part 7
A new opening gets created Stacey knows that Emily has been thrown out by her mum, but she thinks the real problem is her friendship with Trevor – a new character.

Part 8
Mickey is another new character, invented by Club Flix. He tricks Dave’s brother into handing the camera over. What does Mickey want with the camera?

Group five also from Bath are from Beechen Cliff School.

Part 9
Billy Bob finally makes an appearance...

This project was supported by workers from media education companies throughout the south west of England. Thanks to First Born Creatives, Knowle West Media Centre, PVA Media Lab and Suited and Booted for all their support.

Links
www.firstborn-creatives.co.uk
www.kwmc.org.uk
www.PVA.org.uk
www.suitedandbooted.org