Filmmakers seek young people for new project

A youth-led group of filmmakers in North Ayrshire are getting ready to direct their next short film. It follows the success of their recent production Piece of Mind filmed in locations across Scotland, including at the walled garden of Eglinton Country Park.

Piece of Mind was designed and delivered by young filmmakers of Next Take, these included Max McGregor, Archie Nelson, and BAFTA award-winner Daniel Kerr, supported by Screen Scotland’s Screen Education Fund, North Ayrshire Council, the May Lockhart Trust, and Vertex Visions.

Director Max explains, “Our recent production, Piece of Mind was a story about the impact of historical traditions and the turmoil that can come from conflict in family relationships. We were delighted to showcase the film at a number of prominent venues including the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine, Largs Academy, The Glasgow Film Theatre, Raenbow Productions Theatre School in Bearsden and Wigtown Library in Dumfries and Galloway.

“When we created Piece of Mind, we had twenty young people involved who wanted to use the film as a vehicle for their own voices. Aged between 16 and 25, the eager creatives collaborated across 14 different film shoots and with over 100 members of the public and featured artists across several scenes.

“With the arrival of 2026, we are now excited to be returning to our base at Ardrossan Youth Centre to get started on our next production. But in order for the project to be a success, we need to enlist the help of more young people than ever before who want to take the leap to make their mark on the Scottish creative scene.”

The upcoming project is supported by North Ayrshire Council’s Community Learning and Development team and will welcome local young people and New Scots to be part of the action.

The new film project – working title still to be named by the young people involved - aims to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where young people can build skills, confidence, and meaningful connections.

Why get involved? Director Max explains: “Filmmaking offers a wide range of roles and forms of expression, making it an ideal tool for developing self-confidence, teamwork, and positive mental health. Participants will gain industry-specific skills alongside a host of transferable life skills.

“Our new project is open to anyone from any background, and we champion the diverse perspectives that young people from all different communities can bring to the team.

“This is an exciting opportunity to work with an award-winning team and BAFTA-winning actor. What also makes our projects unique, is that we have always worked closely with young people from New Scots communities, particularly Ukrainian communities, and we encourage others from similar backgrounds to get involved. Where we can, project support and learning can be offered in languages beyond English, helping to ensure everyone feels included and able to fully participate.”

The year-long project will begin on Saturday 31 January 2026, running every weekend from 11am to 4pm at Ardrossan Youth Centre, Stanley Road, KA22 7DW. It is open to young people aged 16–25.

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in getting involved or would like more information, please email info@nexttake.co.uk