Bradford Digital Creatives: Accessible Filmmaking for Young Creatives
A Vital Culture UK partnership with Born in Bradford and the National Science and Media Museum.
Project Overview
Project Title: Bradford Digital Creatives
School: Appleton Academy, Bradford (1 of 6 participating schools)
Workshop Dates: 26–28 February 2025
Exhibition: ReelBFD: Digital Arts, Bradford Stories
Exhibition Dates: 14 June – 7 September 2025, National Science and Media Museum
Partners: National Science and Media Museum, Born in Bradford, Bradford 2025, Bradford Council, Arts Council England
Introduction
Bradford Digital Creatives is a city-wide initiative helping young people explore new forms of digital storytelling. With over 1,200 students participating across six schools, the project is part of Bradford’s build-up to UK City of Culture 2025.
Vital Culture UK was proud to lead a filmmaking-focused strand of the project at Appleton Academy. Over three days, students developed original short films using everyday tech like iPads, free editing software, and a whole lot of creativity.
The results? Powerful student-led films, dynamic movie posters, and insightful behind-the-scenes interviews — all now featured in the ReelBFD exhibition at the National Science and Media Museum.
What We Did
Led by Tanya Vital (award-winning creative producer and founder of Vital Culture UK), the workshop introduced students to the creative process from start to finish:
Scriptwriting & Storyboarding – Students developed original concepts from scratch
Filmmaking with iPads & Tripods – Full crew-style filming with in-school locations
CapCut Editing Tutorials – Practical post-production skills using free tools
Poster Design – Each group designed their own movie poster
On-Camera Interviews – Students reflected on the process, building soft skills
Audio Cleanup & ADR – Some students re-recorded dialogue or added music
Problem Solving in Real Time – From mic issues to creative decisions, every challenge was a learning moment
Impact & Outcomes
Many students had never used editing tools or been involved in filmmaking before — and left wanting to do more.
Students worked in new teams outside their usual social groups, boosting collaboration and confidence.
The work inspired a follow-up “social media storytelling” workshop proposal for later in 2025.
Several Appleton students were excited to continue filmmaking, and one school group was even mistaken for professionals by staff!
Now Showing at the National Science and Media Museum
🗓️ 14 June – 7 September 2025
📍 ReelBFD: Digital Arts, Bradford Stories
🎟️ Free Entry with Museum Admission
Visitors to the exhibition can experience:
Immersive 360° videos and interactive games from across the city
Appleton Academy’s student films, posters, and interviews
Early sketches, storyboards, and digital experiments by young creators
Join Us in Shaping the Future
Visit the Exhibition: Experience the creativity of Bradford’s next generation. Click here
Partner With Us: Support our mission to empower young storytellers. Contact Us
Follow Our Journey: Stay updated on social media using #ImADigitalCreative and #LetsCreate.
Testimonials
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“This program has inspired me to keep creating films. I never thought I could do something like this!”
Student Participant
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“The talent and professionalism of our students blew me away. I couldn’t believe one of them was a student and not a professional filmmaker!”
Local Teacher
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"This program showed me I don’t need fancy tools to make films – just ideas and teamwork!"
Student Participant
