Sydney Youth Challenge 2010

More than 250 students, teachers and guests attended the NOTHING BEATS THE REAL THING! Youth Challenges held at Fox Studios in Sydney on 26th and 27th of August 2010.

The students worked through a program that challenged and entertained them - asking them to come to an understanding about the implications of film piracy for the sort of society they want to create. While most students (and teachers!) had at some time been 'pirates' themselves, they realised that there were considerable implications to their actions, and all agreed that it was a fair and proper civics and citizenship strategy to 'just say NO.'

Surprise guest industry presenters included Peter Coogan (formerly of the 'Muppets' fame) currently director of the television sitcom 'Me and My Monsters', and David Roach, writer / producer whose credits include 'Young Einstein', 'Reckless Kelly' and 'Beneath Hill 60'.

The presenters spoke about the importance of story-telling and how screen stories are threatened by the increase in screen piracy which has wider implications for society.

The students were lucky enough to visit the set of 'Me and My Monsters' as well as editing and sound-recording suites at Fox Studios. All in all an educational and fun couple of days which all participants seemed to enjoy.

They rated the two day program 91% Excellent/Very Good and showed us that there are many budding actors, writers, producers and directors in our midst!