Kettering documentary project needs young film volunteers for mosaic movie magic

Movie makers telling the story of the history and restoration of a mosaic that used to adorn Kettering Grammar School are recruiting a team of young people keen to help with the project.

Commissioned by Kettering Civic Society, UK Film School staff will begin shooting the community film in August after a recruitment drive taking place this month.

Under the guidance of industry professionals the volunteers will be mentored as they are introduced into all aspects of the film-making process.

Gary Halliday, UK Film School director, said: "UK Film School, are excited to announce that we have been commissioned by Kettering Civic Society to make a community film about the Kettering Mosaic, that is currently being restored and will be placed in a prominent position in the town centre upon restoration. This is a fascinating project that is full of local history.

"We would like to recruit a team of local, young, filmmakers aged 16 plus to get involved in this exciting project - no experience necessary.

"This project will provide an invaluable experience for any student who would like an insight into the world of film and TV and every student who takes part will receive a credit in the film and an invitation to the VIP Screening that will take place at the Odeon Kettering."

The 45ft x 15ft mosaic was removed from the wall of the old Kettering Grammar School in Windmill Avenue, in 2007, before the building was torn down.

Saved by Kettering Civic Society, it has been stored at the Kent studio of Oliver Budd, the son of mosaic creator Kenneth Budd, with the society looking for a new place to display it.

It is hoped that the mosaic will be in pride of place in the High Street/Meadow Road area as part of a £4m scheme to revitalise the town centre.The mosaic depicts a modernist abstract interpretation of the town's coat of arms which also shows its rich religious, cultural and industrial heritage, including Kettering’s links to the birth of the baptist missionary movement, William Knibb and the abolition of slavery. Many of Kettering’s manufacturing industries are also depicted in the mosaic.

When the mosaic was taken down in 2007 it was done so 'jigsaw-style' and peeled off the wall in a special sticky-backed fabric. When it is eventually restored it will be done in trays so that should it ever need to be dismantled it will be easy to do so.

The mosaic was specially commissioned for Kettering Grammar School in 1962 and was the first mosaic that Kenneth Budd designed before going on to be renowened, creating the Kennedy Mosaic in Birmingham’s Bullring Shopping Centre and hundreds more around the country.

Filming starts at the beginning of August 2021 and Gary and his team would like to hear from young people who would like to work on the project.

Gary added: "This will be an amazing project for any young person who would like to gain invaluable experience of working as a professional documentary film crew."

For further information on how to get involved email [email protected].