Looking For Sarah

'Looking for Sarah' was one of the most ambitious and demanding projects we've ever undertaken! Working with students from nine Somerset schools our brief was to make a film that dispels some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding teenage pregnancy and create a gritty, true to life, portrayal of teen parenthood.

Written by the award winning writer Alan Clews and directed by the hugely talented Tom Wright, the year-long project involved the students in every stage of the production. The storyline and script evolved from a number of script workshops held at the schools last spring; an open casting call for the lead roles and supporting cast resulted in an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from the schools, and those who preferred to work behind camera were given the opportunity to work closely with the production team and crew to help make the film. These 'wannabe' film makers were also given free creative rein to produce a documentary 'making-of' film, which they greatly enjoyed.

The project has been an enormous success and the film premiered at a glittering red carpet event at the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton.

The film will now be used in secondary schools across the region as part of a project by Somerset County Council and NHS Somerset aimed at reducing the number of teenage pregnancies in the county.

Michelle Hawkes, public health specialist for NHS Somerset, said: "This has been a really exciting opportunity for young people in Somerset to get involved in a professional film project and enable them and their peers to debate some really important issues."