film dramas – full-length documentary – factual shorts
Across 2014 and 2015 CTVT worked at Cavendish School delivering filmmaking workshops and producing a one-hour documentary about and for the school: “IT’S A CAVENDISH THING“.
Students contributed original footage, excerpts from their film dramas were included, they gave formal interviews; staff allowed a camera into the classroom; the headteacher took the camera round the school; CCTV cameras captured a serious incident which the Senior Management Team decided to share with the filmmaker. An educational psychologist, a parent and a police officer also gave contributions. Therefore the documentary “It’s A Cavendish Thing” does tell the story of what is a fantastic school in Bermondsey, south London, working with 11-16 year olds for whom mainstream education has not worked out. Here is the documentary (below it are three film dramas and a series of short films about Bermondsey Square):
The challenge in producing this film was to find a way of telling the whole Cavendish story: life is not straightforward but can be immensely rewarding. Students there have difficult lives and often troubled backgrounds. Their behaviour can be very challenging at times. The usual tabloid rush to judge is profoundly unhelpful.
“NO VICTORY” [film drama 2014] gangs
“MOCK 123” [film drama 2015] cyber bullying
“THE FEAR” [film drama 2015] spoof horror