Joshua set to ‘see himself on screen’
A seven-year-old boy from Belfast, who made a two-minute long mini-TV show about life in lockdown, will see his piece featured on national TV next week, after being selected as a finalist in a major UK-wide competition.
Joshua McLees entered the See Yourself on Screen Challenge, organised by cultural charity, the British Film Institute (BFI), and launched by doctor and TV presenter Dr Ranj Singh last month.
His video, Home But Not Alone, a poetry monologue that addresses the highs and lows of lockdown, was selected from hundreds of entries.
It will be shown on Channel 5’s Milkshake! between July 8-10.
Joshua, a pupil at Moneyreagh Primary School, said: ‘‘I feel absolutely amazing. It was so exciting when I heard I won because I was having a grumpy day. I was on Zoom with my class and I told them and they are all excited.’’
Mum Emma added she is ‘‘hugely proud’’ of her talented son.
‘‘We entered because wanted to do something a bit different and exciting during lockdown and something that would cheer him up a bit, because it (lockdown) has been hard enough for him.’’
Hundreds of young people sent in their 30-second video pitches, with an esteemed panel of industry judges choosing 15 overall winners.
The finalists then received one-to-one virtual masterclasses from famous and influential figures from the world of TV, including Konnie Huq, Jessica Hynes, Rob Delaney, Harry Hill and Reggie Yates.
Each mentor offered hints and tips to help guide the finalists through the script writing and shooting process, before the finalists turned their idea into a reality.
Joshua was mentored by actor and Harry Potter star, Matthew Lewis.
‘‘That was outstanding. I’ve read the first Harry Potter book and I absolutely love it.
‘‘I hadn’t watched the films and I wasn’t a big fan, but now I am. When I heard it was Matthew Lewis, I nearly passed out!.’’
Head of the BFI’s Young Audiences Content Fund Jackie Edwards added: ‘‘This challenge has enabled them (young people)to tell their own stories on screen and, excitingly, have it aired on national television; it’s a real celebration of the creativity of our young people for everyone to enjoy.’’
And Joshua isn’t the only talented young filmmaker from Northern Ireland to be selected.
Lucy, a 13-year-old, from Co Antrim was selected in the 8-17 category for her Irish language piece -‘Ag déileáil le Covid’(‘Dealing with Covid’), a play-along show, with games, challenges and activities.
Her piece will be shown on TG4.