Bradford Digital Creatives: Accessible Filmmaking for Young Creatives

A Vital Culture UK partnership with Born in Bradford and the National Science and Media Museum.

Student and Tanya Vital in a library setting up a video recording setup with an iPad mounted on a tripod, capturing a scene featuring them engaged in a discussion or presentation.

Introduction

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

Bradford Digital Creatives is a transformative initiative empowering young people to share their stories through digital art. Supported by Bradford 2025, Bradford Council, and Arts Council England, this project equips students with the skills and confidence to shape the future of storytelling.

Over two years, 1,200+ teenagers from six schools will collaborate with professional artists to create 360-degree videos, audio storytelling, and video games. Their work culminates in a public showcase during Bradford’s 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations.

What We Did

Led by Founder Tanya Vital – an award-winning creative producer with 20+ years in TV, film, and digital storytelling.

At Appleton Academy (Feb 2025 Workshop):

  • 🎬 Scriptwriting & Storyboarding: Students crafted original narratives.

  • 🎥 Hands-On Filming: Used iPads and tripods for professional-grade setups.

  • ✂️ CapCut Editing Tutorials: Mastered post-production techniques.

  • 🎨 Movie Poster Design: Merged graphic design with storytelling.

  • 📢 Team Interviews: Developed communication and presentation skills.

Broader Programme Delivery:

  • Workshops & Events: Digital storytelling, video production, and emerging tech.

  • Mentorship: Building technical skills and creative confidence.

  • Accessible Tools: iPads, iMovie, and free/low-cost software for equitable access.

UPCOMING EXHIBITION

14 June – 7 September 2024
National Science and Media Museum, Bradford

Don’t miss the chance to see the incredible work created by Bradford’s young digital storytellers! This exhibition will feature:

  • 360-degree videos

  • Audio storytelling

  • Video games

Featured Works from Appleton Academy:

  • Student-directed short films

  • Behind-the-scenes footage of the filmmaking process

  • Movie posters showcasing design talent

Why Attend?
Witness how young creatives use accessible technology (iPads, CapCut) to redefine storytelling.

A student operates a tablet-mounted camera to record another student seated in a modern, well-lit room with large windows and indoor plants, creating a professional video production environment.

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.

Students and Tanya creating videos at Bradford Digital Creatives workshop
Students creating videos at Bradford Digital Creatives workshop
Students creating videos at Bradford Digital Creatives workshop
Students and Tanya posing for press shots for Bradford Digital Creatives workshops
Students and Tanya creating videos at Bradford Digital Creatives workshop

Testimonials

  • “This program has inspired me to keep creating films. I never thought I could do something like this!”

    Student Participant

  • “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

  • "This program showed me I don’t need fancy tools to make films – just ideas and teamwork!"

    Student Participant

Arts Council England Logo
Funded by UK Government Logo
Previous

Intrapology
Next

NYT & Microsoft's Digital Accelerator