Inspiring change through creative arts & digital media

OVERVIEW

Pedal Power is a film/photography project celebrating cycling as part of the Grande Depart celebrations in Wakefield marking the 2014 Tour de France starting off in Yorkshire.

The project worked with Reverse the Cycle, a social enterprise based in South Elmsall who use recycled bicycles as a form of intervention work with young people and adults who are often at risk of social exclusion or in need of targeted support.

Over a month film makers worked with participants on Reverse the Cycles Build a Bike programme to create a short film and photography exhibition/ artwork.

The film is viewable on http://vimeo.com/onetoonedevelopment/pedalpower

Pedal Power was screened on a bike powered cinema at The Hepworth Wakefield to a packed audience as part of the Grande Depart Cultural Festival. Permanent artwork and photography is on display at Reverse the Cycle. The project’s progress was documented on One to One Development Trust’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Pedal Power was funded by Wakefield Council’s Creative Partners scheme and supported by Turning Point and the Youth Development Support Services.

PEDAL POWER

The multimedia library can be accessed at www.orient.org

If you would like further information about this project or would like to talk about other project ideas

please contact Andy Campbell, Director of Digital Media, One to One Development Trust

on 07967 398957 or email andy@onetoonedevelopment.org

or visit www.onetoonedevelopment.org

PROCESS Creative sessions were held at two locations: The ABLE Project in Wakefield and Reverse the Cycle’s workshop in South Elmsall. The ABLE Project supports the work of the Accord Recovery Programme run by national charity Turning Point. The sessions were facilitated by director/producer Judi Alston supported by camera person Dean Hinchliffe working with Reverse the Cycles Lee Farmer.

The participants were recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Filming took place at ABLE, a 32 acre site set in a rural location with workshops/sheds for carpentry, art, gardening, animal husbandry, sturgeon farming. ABLE supports activities with groups ranging from young offenders to people with additional needs. Reverse the Cycle use a workshop on the site to run their programme in association with The Accord Recovery Programme. A new group supported by members of a previous group actively embraced photography and sharing their stories on film.

“Fun, friendly environment...” - AJ - participant

The next stage of the project was held at Reverse the Cycle’s own base. In a bigger, better equipped space participants could explore their creativity taking photos from more ambitious different angles. Young people were referred to the project by YDSS Targeted Youth Support programme as well as other local people who just wanted to get involved.

The bike workshop was lit and changed into a film set for a “lights, camera, action” experience.

“Integral, interesting and inspirational – a great outlet for disillusioned young people!” - Audience feedback

Photography involved taking creative shots of bicycles and the tools used to repair them. It was important to build up trust and to ensure that all the groups had a total ownership and understanding of the project and what it entailed. The process with the groups was inspiring and rewarding.

PEDAL POWER

The multimedia library can be accessed at www.orient.org

If you would like further information about this project or would like to talk about other project ideas

please contact Andy Campbell, Director of Digital Media, One to One Development Trust

on 07967 398957 or email andy@onetoonedevelopment.org

or visit www.onetoonedevelopment.org

Having a cycle track outside the workshop meant that footage could be shot using a go-pro camera attached to the bike focusing on the rider, of and off the bike. The camera was mounted in different positions with the footage used in a fast cut edited music sequence in the film.

Local musician and sound artist Barry Snaith, a keen cyclist and designer of cycling magazines contributed the score for the film using two of his recently produced tracks. Title sequences and animations were compiled by Charlotte Blacker and Andy Campbell. The film was edited by Judi Alston.

The premiere held at The Hepworth was a special event for participants and their families. Reverse the Cycle helped with transport and YDSS with refreshments. Linking with YDSS, a ‘yellow jersey’ award ceremony was arranged for those who’d taken part in extra cycling activities. The film premiere was a moving and inspiring screening, full of fun and quirkiness with it being part of a wider programme of cycle based activities at The Hepworth running that day.

None of the participants had visited The Hepworth before, neither had a large majority of the audience. This engagement with Wakefield’s most prestigious art gallery was an exciting bonus to the project. On arrival, participants were nervous and rather cautious, keen to only stay in our allocated space and not interested in looking round The Hepworth, but after the film premiere and then full of confidence, participants were happy to explore the galleries, some even suggesting they would bring their children or families at a later date.

IMPACT “Being involved in the project has resulted in participants gaining an increase in self-esteem and confidence which has led to the development of improved social and economic functioning.” - Lee Farmer

The project had a positive impact on its participants and partner organisations. For participants the main impact was how the project improved their self-confidence. At the beginning of the process participants were reluctant and nervous to join in any filming or photographing activities. Through building up trust and confidence quickly, a safe and fun environment was created where participants felt able to share their stories and ideas. It was affirming that participants remained keen and interested right to the end of the project.

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“I found it very positive, good for my kids and for me.” - Chris, participant

By taking photographs and controlling their own representation in the filming, participants learnt valuable presentation and relaxation skills. They were supported to increase their confidence and understand their contributions are important and valid, factors that often that have been undermined by experiences in their lives. For one of the participants he secured a job during the project, another secured a voluntary placement at Reverse the Cycle.

“I didn’t think I could speak out like I did, I was as nervous as hell, but really glad I did it.” - Rich, participant

“Since the premiere at The Hepworth, more people have contacted RTC and expressed an interest in cycling and volunteering. Since the launch of the documentary, the number of partner organisations contacting RTC to explore the possibility of collaboration has increased significantly.” - Lee Farmer

The impact on partner organisations was also important. For Reverse the Cycle taking part in Pedal Power has opened up new potential partnerships and brought more awareness of their work to more people. For Turning Point, staff have been impressed at the effectiveness for their clients of taking part in a film project.

“Everyone involved with RTC is now more aware of the benefits of various forms of media to share the work being undertaken by the project. Being involved in the documentary has also helped participants realise that they can explore other opportunities for volunteering.” - Lee Farmer

RESOURCES PRODUCED

“A great film that will really help the project spread the word around Wakefield. Well done to all concerned. Makes me proud to come from Wakefield.” - Audience feedback

The Pedal Power film is available online, all the participants and supporting organisations have DVD copies of the film.

“Really inspiring film, was wonderful to hear how cycling and bike maintenance makes such a difference.” - Audience feedback

Turning Point extended the project by commissioning One to One to create a 3 minute version of Pedal Power with their clients for the national “Recovery Street Film Festival” - a competition around the festival theme ‘deserving a future’, focusing on living with the challenges of recovery.

“The project has already raised the profile of the organisation and has been submitted in addition to the Recovery Film Festival for a potential national award. The video will also be used for future promotions of the services in Wakefield to a wide range of individuals.” - Sean Glover, Team Leader Turning Point

PEDAL POWER

“Excellent film about a very worthwhile project.” - Audience feedback

An exhibition of photos is available on the One to One Face-book page.

An artwork canvas based on photographs and quotes from the project is exhibited on permanent display at Reverse the Cycle.

“Powerful stuff, films like this are fundamental to local people. A keepsake in our history.” - Audience feedback

FEEDBACK ON ONE TO ONE DEVELOPMENT TRUSTS APPROACH

“Absolutely fantastic production team who offered guidance, support and was well informed about RTC and the ethos of the enterprise. Pedal power was amazing, it captured the essence of RTC really well and gave participants the opportunity to be involved and share their stories. The launch was in a fantastic location and was well attended, it gave RTC the opportunity to reflect on its journey and gain an insight into what the project means to all those involved. RTC has been given the platform to develop and grow as a result of Pedal Power, the documentary will be an integral part of RTC’s sustainability.” - Lee Farmer, Reverse the Cycle

“The Pedal Power project was fantastic to be part of from Turning Point’s perspective. One to One Development Trust were extremely professional and person centred, demonstrating an exceptional ability to work with adult substance misuse service users.” - Sean Glover, Team Leader, Turning Point

PEDAL POWER

If you would like further information about this project or would like to talk about other project ideas

please contact Judi Alston, Creative Director, One to One Development Trust

on 07901 686142 or email judi@onetoonedevelopment.org or visit www.onetoonedevelopment.org