“Striding Edge Films are technical experts in their field, able to manage large scale film projects, directing teams of children and adults efficiently and sensitively. Striding Edge Films have also worked with us to produce a DVD that has been widely distributed with nothing but positive comments.”
David A Blackwell, Assistant Head Teacher/ Director Performing Arts, Monkwearmouth School, Sunderland
“Coatsworth road was possibly one of the best opportunities I have came across so far. I met so many people. Making the film was much more exciting than sitting in an R.E lesson and being told what to believe as I actually found out what really happens in such a large community of Gateshead. I gained a lot of confidence, learnt how to make a great documentary and had a taste of working with adults. Also working with director Emily Barber was such a great experience, she is the most honest and fun person to work with. The film has had a really big affect on me; I have opened my eyes more as to what really goes on, and I now take in how these religious people feel”
Laura Crane, 15 years old, Filmmaker on Coatsworth Road
“Striding Edge’s Emily Barber is one of our key developing factual directors. She addresses controversial and challenging subjects for her films. Emily is an important part of the North East film making network.”
Tom Harvey, Chief Executive of Northern Film & Media
“It was a really positive experience and pleasure working with Striding Edge Films - Coatsworth Road was certainly one of the best projects I've worked on to date and one I'm most proud of. It's rare to find facilitators with industry experience and a professional approach, who also have the ability to motivate and engage young people, from all walks of life. This is why we ended up with a great film and a set of young people who'd learnt a lot, not just about documentaries, but about people and the art of communication.”
Holli McGuire, Head of Learning Engagement and Development, Tyneside Cinema
“My son Thomas and I really enjoyed featuring in Striding Edge Film’s documentary ‘Sing Your Heart Out’. In all honesty I was a little bit worried about how we would come across but the joy I get in singing is so apparent in the final film, which was so uplifting and honest. The film went down a storm with the choir and we still get people who watched it on the Community Channel sending positive comments to this day.”
Jill Hayward, ‘Soprano’ featured in ‘Sing Your Heart Out’
“Striding Edge Films provided a wonderfully creative experience for all of the students involved. They had complete ownership of their own work which in turn helped develop self confidence and self worth. The personal growth of each student was incredible considering that the children who took part would not normally be chosen to participate in arts based projects.”
Sue Charnley, Arts Development Officer, Sunderland
“Shaidy Characters is a group of young homeless people who have been inspired by Emily and Striding Edge Films. Over the past 5 years we have made a number of issue based films and although our first few efforts were very grassroots, working with a professional director has helped us to develop to a point where we are now able to raise revenue - making short films for other community organisations. But in my own view film-making has been the most effective in terms of team-building and motivation. In many respects, this is a result of Emily's warmth and energy, which combine to help show people their own potential but also demands commitment and responsibility."
Jane Williamson, Social Inclusion and development Worker, Shaidy Characters