Daron Letts
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 24/05) - Yellowknife's four-year-old film and video co-op will widen its lens this summer as members reach out to youth and small communities.

Western Arctic Moving Pictures (WAMP) introduced two new awards for students at St. Patrick and Sir John Franklin high schools this summer. They involve start-up cash, funding for equipment rentals and a WAMP membership to help with video production.

"Doing film in a small town is not a disadvantage," WAMP president France Benoit says.

Unlike in major centres, access to equipment in Yellowknife isn't stalled by long waiting lists.

Best of all, any expertise you need, from lighting to animation, is just a phone call away, Benoit says.

Documentarian and board vice-president Twyla Roscovich will work with Dogrib youth aged 17-20 at the Sah Naji Kwe Lodge near Rae-Edzo this summer.

The first-time filmmakers will develop their documentary skills on WAMP equipment. Members will assist with editing.

Rabesca Resources is funding the project.

"Anybody can be a filmmaker," says Roscovich. "If you have an idea and some motivation, WAMP has all the equipment you need."

The nonprofit co-op advises members on all aspects of film and video production, including tips on grant writing.

Board treasurer Kevin Kennedy says independent filmmaking is empowering.

"Access to filmmaking allows Northerners to tell their stories in a new medium and in their own voices," he says.

This summer WAMP will offer three Yellowknife workshops on special effects (July 23-24), camera operation (Aug. 20-21) and sound for music videos (date tba).