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INUVIK - The production studio at the Inuvik Youth Centre was busy with the sounds of rapping and video editing this past week.

Monica Loreen, one of the frequent users of the centre, was in the studio with some friends and professionals to shoot a video for a song she wrote. Loreen, 13, said the song is about living a healthy life in Inuvik and focuses on the activities she does with her friends.

A group of youth made a music video last week, thanks to the help of a few professional aids. From left, Brittany Dillon, Lori Felix, Monica Loreen, Daynah Edwards, Dennis Allen and Chris Yapp. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"I wrote the song last September," she said.

Even though the song has been done for some time, Loreen said work on the video started only recently. When the staff at the centre saw her passion for the song, they approached her about making a music video to go along with her creation.

She said the song is about a lot of her friends, who she depends on for well-being.

"They helped me out so much with this," said Loreen.

Filming started on Thursday afternoon and wrapped up on Friday.

Along with the routine dancing and singing, the video also has mini-skits in it about the effects of peer pressure and bullying.

"We show someone getting pushed up against a locker, as an example of bullying," she said.

Loreen said she is comfortable with the equipment used for the shooting and editing of the video.

"It's good to have the equipment to make things like this," she said.

"We had a good time shooting it, we went to the river and the pool for shooting."

Dennis Allen was on hand to assist with the shooting and producing of the video.

He was in town working with the Aurora College, teaching the basics of editing.

"We did a three-day workshop, pretty much a mini-film school," said Allen.

The Whitehorse resident said he brought needed equipment to Inuvik.

"I brought most of my production equipment with me," he said.

On the way to Inuvik, Allen stopped in Dawson City, where the temperature dropped to almost -50 C.

"I've never seen -50 C before," said Allen.

He said working with youth was a good experience, and he was impressed with the layout of the studio in the youth centre.