A FILMMAKING charity that helps people to overcome life challenges or build their work experience has been awarded £9,000 by the National Lottery.

TAPE Community Music and Film, in Old Colwyn, received the boost to its Media Club, which gives people aged 18 and above who are referred to it by support agencies the chance to get involved in industry roles ranging from acting, producing and lighting to programming, subtitling and song writing.

The charity was co-founded by Steve Swindon 13 years ago with the aim to tackle a “cold spot” of film career opportunities in North Wales compared to other parts of the UK.

“When deciding what we are going to do, we respond to the interests of people who come through our doors,” said Mr Swindon, a former professional bassist who worked in the film industry. “We offer opportunities to people who are underrepresented in the film industry and have stories to tell, and we help them to do it in a hands-on process.

“North Wales a cold spot for the screen industries so it is vital that people have the opportunity to get involved.”

The club recently created a short film set in the Churchman’s Snooker Club in Old Colwyn starring legendary player Dennis Taylor, who re-enacted his historic final win against Steve Davies. The production was set on the theme of supporting people and could be used as a care training resource.

“We were trying to reach as wide an audience as possible for it to be a broadly educational resource, but it was a really interesting short film as well,” Mr Swindon said. “The group came up with shot list and said they wanted to fly a drone over tables. I didn’t think club committee or the drone team would agree to it, but I was completely wrong and we got some beautiful footage of this 1930s club.”

“The Media Club gives people the chance to be part of a team and work together on something, to become less isolated and meet people.

“This could be people who aren’t ready to move away to college, people in recovery or who are reengaging socially.

“It is really empowering for folks who elsewhere in life can get looked over or have obstacles they cannot overcome.”