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
about the project
Bradford Digital Creatives is a city-wide initiative empowering young people to explore digital storytelling in fresh, accessible ways. With over 1,200 students across six schools, the project plays a vital role in Bradford’s journey toward UK City of Culture 2025 — and now continues through March 2026 with new schools and expanded delivery.
At Appleton Academy, Vital Culture UK led a three-day filmmaking workshop using everyday tech like iPads, free software, and raw creative energy.
The result?
Original short films
Custom movie posters
Insightful on-camera reflections
All proudly featured in the ReelBFD exhibition at the National Science and Media Museum — and highlighted in press features including Yorkshire Post and Jodrell Bank Planetarium.
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
70% of participants gained new digital skills
Over half reported increased interest in digital arts
1 in 3 now say they’d actively seek out digital activities
90% of teachers said the workshop was valuable for their students
Students became more confident collaborators, stepping outside their usual friendship groups
Some were mistaken for professional filmmakers by museum staff!
Previously Exhibited at the National Science and Media Museum
ReelBFD: Digital Arts, Bradford Stories
🗓️ 14 June – 7 September 2025
📍 National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
This celebrated exhibition featured:
✔️ Student-led short films and posters from Appleton Academy
✔️ Behind-the-scenes interviews and creative reflections
✔️ 360° videos and interactive games created across the city
Although the exhibition has now closed, it offered thousands of visitors a glimpse into the bold creativity of Bradford’s next generation of digital storytellers.
🔗 Interested in hosting or supporting future showcases? Contact us
get involved
Schools: Interested in joining the programme? Email caro.pratt@scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk
Partners: Want to support inclusive digital learning? Contact Us
Follow: #ImADigitalCreative #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
