Young people in troubled circumstances – at risk of exclusion or involvement in criminal activity – are being given a chance to take a step towards a media career.

Earlier this year the film-making career coaching group Iconic Steps held a five-day filmmaking course for 16 to 25-year-olds at Ruscoe Road Sheltered Accommodation in Canning Town.

Now there are fresh opportunities to join upcoming free courses for Newham residents. Three will be held during August. These are:

Music Video Production: 1 – 5 August
Documentary Production: 8 – 12 August
Commercial Production: 15– 19 August

The Pinnacle Group, who manage the Ruscoe Road Scheme on behalf of Newham Council, organise the events in partnership with Iconic Steps. The course are particularly targeted at young people aged 16-21 who are at risk of exclusion or involvement in crime or have already been involved in such activity.

Victoria Ijeh founded Iconic Steps approximately 10 years ago, when she noticed the lack of diversity of people working in media and film-making. She launched Iconic, which is based in Brixton, to provide opportunities for young people from underrepresented backgrounds in filmmaking.

Iconic Steps is an enterprise funded by five people and has a commercial arm that commissions commercial projects.

Any participant on the course will be supported by Crystal Crawford, Youth Engagement Manager. She provides careers coaching and links young people with a mentor in the media industry.

These are amazing opportunities for young people, sometimes at a disadvantage and who have considered finding employment in the media and it’s free of charge.

For more information or to register, contact Kate Fahy, Programmes Manager at kate@iconicsteps.co.uk or 07923 206 770.

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