Filmmakers seek young people in North Ayrshire to create short film

A youth-led filmmaking group based in North Ayrshire is preparing to begin work on its next short film, following the success of a recent production that reached audiences across Scotland.

The group, Next Take, recently completed Piece of Mind, a short film shot at locations across the country, including the walled garden at Eglinton Country Park. The project was written and delivered by young filmmakers including Max McGregor, Archie Nelson and BAFTA award-winner Daniel Kerr, and was supported by Screen Scotland’s Screen Education Fund, North Ayrshire Council, the May Lockhart Trust and Vertex Visions.

The film explored themes around historical traditions and the tensions that can arise within family relationships. After completion, Piece of Mind was screened at a number of venues, including the Harbour Arts Centre, Largs Academy, the Glasgow Film Theatre, Raenbow Productions Theatre School in Bearsden and Wigtown Library in Dumfries and Galloway.

Director Max McGregor said the project was designed to give young people a platform for their own voices. He explained that more than 20 participants aged between 16 and 25 were involved, working across 14 separate film shoots and collaborating with over 100 members of the public and featured artists.

“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,” he said. “To make the project a success, we want to involve even more young people who are ready to take a step into Scotland’s creative scene.”

The upcoming project, which will be supported by North Ayrshire Council’s Community Learning and Development team, will again welcome New Scots to take part. Organisers say the benefits of this inclusive approach were clear during the last production.

Oleksandr, a participant originally from Ukraine, described Piece of Mind as a transformative experience. He said the collaborative nature of the project created a strong sense of community and belonging, helping him to build confidence and overcome anxiety.

The new film, which will be titled by the young people involved, aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where participants can develop practical filmmaking skills, build confidence and form meaningful connections. Roles will be available across all aspects of production, both on-screen and behind the scenes.

McGregor added that filmmaking offers a wide range of creative pathways, helping young people to develop teamwork, communication skills and positive mental health, alongside industry-specific experience. He also highlighted the group’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, with learning and support available in languages beyond English where possible.

The year-long project will begin on Saturday 31 January 2026 and will run every weekend from 11am to 4pm at Ardrossan Youth Centre on Stanley Road. It is open to young people aged 16 to 25, with no previous filmmaking experience required.

Councillor Chloé Robertson, North Ayrshire’s Young People’s Champion, has encouraged local young people to get involved, describing the project as a unique creative opportunity with something for everyone, from writing and filming to editing and production.

Anyone interested in taking part, or seeking further information, can contact the organisers by emailing info@nexttake.co.uk. Further updates on the project will be shared via Next Take’s Facebook page, and Piece of Mind is available to watch on YouTube.