Move over Wallace and Gromit! Norwood invites you to enter the weird and wonderful world of Supernatural Safari, courtesy of a short animation produced by a talented group of filmmakers with learning disabilities.
The five-minute film is the end result of a project organised by Norwood's Day Opportunities team in partnership with Community Focus - an inclusive multi-arts centre based in Barnet which encourages people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to access and participate in the arts.
The 11-strong group not only conceived and developed the film's plot and script, but also drew up a working storyboard, made the imaginative plasticine figures and set which feature in the animation, and helped in the stop-gap filming process.
The finished product, which introduces characters such as the Super Squiggly Squid and the Tremendous Three Headed Dog, was made over a six-week period in the summer and was premiered at The Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley in November.
Lee Salmon, Norwood’s Adult Day Opportunities Manager, said: “Our service users were looking for a new and different arts project to try out. They wanted to take part in something which would allow people with different abilities the chance to collaborate on a single piece of work on an equal basis. There were also some people from other organisations, so it was a good opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
“The finished product far surpassed our expectations. It was fantastic to see the enjoyment and satisfaction with the end result on the faces of the participants and families who attended the premiere.”
For more information about the film or any project run by Norwood’s Day Opportunities team, contact Lee Salmon, Adult Day Opportunities Manager, on 020 8420 6942 or e-mail lee.salmon@norwood.org.uk
