Two 17-year-old girls from Chelmsford and a college in North Yorkshire have won a competition that challenged young people to make a viral film to help keep their peers safe on the roads.
Sophie Reuben and Charlotte Hasler won the category for young people working as individuals or in teams, and Norton College in Malton produced the best film by an educational establishment.
The competition, ‘In the can’, attracted more than 50 entries from individuals, teams of young people and educational establishments across the country. The winners were selected via an online public vote and the prize for both winners is a cheque for £1,000.
Media students Sophie Reuben and Charlotte Hasler entered the competition because they love making films.
Sophie says: “We’re both of a age to start driving and feel that people our age are often irresponsible behind the wheel. We hope our film can make a difference and have impact without showing any gore.”
Click here to see Sophie and Charlotte’s film, ‘You cannot reverse time’.
The winning film from Norton College, ‘Belt Up’, focuses on the issue of wearing seat belts and was conceived and made by Katy Midgley, Lauren Leogue and Hattie Cotton.
Katy Midgley said: “We’ve never experienced a car collision ourselves but we know people who have – so we can understand the ripple effect it has on friends and family. This is why we wanted to focus on this subject. Our film takes a different approach to road safety, yet still has a valid message.”
David Rees, who runs the BTEC national in media production course at Norton College, said: “The competition made the students learn about road safety and they’re all really proud of the videos that they submitted.
“I know that this project has had a positive impact on the way that the students and their friends drive.”
Sally Bartrum, spokesperson for In the can, said: “Many congratulations to all the winners. Their films are very well thought through and excellently executed.
“Young drivers and their passengers are at high risk on the roads, but it’s really difficult to communicate road safety messages to them.
“Rather than another campaign developed by road safety or advertising professionals, ‘In the can’ hands this responsibility to young people. They understand how to communicate with their peers and we hope to learn from the approaches they have taken.”
‘In the can’ was conceived by Suffolk County Council’s road safety team and managed on their behalf by Stennik, a road safety communications consultancy. It is hoped that the competition will run again in the academic year 2010/11.
To see all the entries or for more information visit the campaign website or contact Sally Bartrum on 01379 650112.
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