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 Seb Braggins - winning entry
The competition, launched in August this year by Charge on Community Channel and Orange Rockcorps, gave three budding young filmmakers the chance to make their own short films documenting their journey to the Orange Rockcorps gig, which took place at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday September 26th.
The only way to receive a ticket to this exclusive gig, which featured performances by some of the hottest names in music including John Legend and Feeder, was in exchange for completing four hours of volunteering.
Entrants were asked to submit a creative idea for a film that would bring their volunteering to life. Two finalists were selected, invited to an all-expenses paid filmmaking workshop, assigned a media mentor and given a £500 grant to create their film.
Stephen Greene, founder and CEO Rockcorps said:
“This competition offered a unique opportunity to bring together the worlds of film, music and volunteering. I was really impressed by the standard of entries and with the creativity displayed in the final films.”
Sebastian’s winning film documented his four hours of volunteering with Trees for Cities, an independent charity working with local communities on tree-planting and landscaping projects.
Filmed edited and produced in under four weeks, Sebastian’s film successfully captured the spirit of volunteering while showcasing his dual talent in front of and behind the camera.
Sebastian said:
“I am from a working-class background, but am on a mission to become successful for my future family. Me and my sister wanted to volunteer, partly for the free tickets if I’m honest, but also to actually help the local community. Having the opportunity to film our experience was a dream come true for me and I hope it encourages other young people to get off their sofa and out into their community.”
The finalists completed films will be broadcast on Charge on Community Channel (Sky 539, Virgin TV 233 and Freeview 87). The winning film will be showcased on Channel 4 in October.
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Notes to editors:
About Community Channel
Community Channel is dedicated to engaging audiences with the charitable and voluntary sector, showcasing stories and issues that inspire action and encourage involvement. Broadcasting original shows, the best of terrestrial TV and showcasing the work of new directors and community programme makers, Community Channel is the place for real-life stories from communities around the world. The channel is broadcast 24 hours a day on Sky 539, Virgin TV 233 and from 6am to 9am on Freeview 87. Around 1.5 million people tune in every month and we receive more than 12,000 interactions with viewers a week. Community Channel is a Media Trust initiative. Visit
About Charge
Charge is a digital platform on Community Channel dedicated to showcasing dynamic, socially engaging content made by young people, encouraging them to volunteer and engage in issues and debate. Dedicated to 16-25 year olds in the UK, it is the only digital platform dedicated to volunteering, social action and issues for young people with a national broadcast element.
To find out more about future filmmaking opportunities for young people visit www.communitychannel.org/charge
About Rockcorps
RockCorps launched in 2005 to affect social change and act as the bridge between communities in need and the young adults who want to make them better. Since that time, RockCorps has combined the power of music, community and volunteerism to expose young people to simple ways they can proactively contribute.
 

This is much more than a series of volunteer events and concerts; it is a way to connect young people with dynamic charities already doing great work in the local community. RockCorps provides all recruitment, registration and logistical support; in addition, RockCorps staffs the project as well as providing the project supplies. Volunteer events are focused on a range of service projects including the environment, school and playground renovation, park regeneration, food distribution, issues around HIV/AIDS, poverty, homelessness and more. 
 

All of the volunteer events are completed in partnership with charities. The RockCorps volunteer events are used to introduce young people with charities in their area – so that after the concert, they return again and again – without the lure of the concert ticket. Research has shown that over 35% of the participants have volunteered again within 6 to 12 months – either with the same charity, or in another effort.
 
RockCorps is working in partnership with Orange and with other partners and media partners including, Channel 4, MySpace, XFM and Choice

About Orange
Orange is a key brand of the France Telecom Group, providing mobile, broadband, fixed, business and entertainment services across Europe. It is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with more than 150 million customers on five continents.
In June, 2006, Orange became the single brand for mobile, broadband and multi-play offers. In addition, Orange Business Services became the new banner for business communications solutions. Orange Business Services is present in 166 countries with network reach in 220. 
In the UK, Orange provides high quality GSM coverage to 99% of the UK population. At the end of March 31 2007, Orange had over 16.5 million customers in the UK - 15.1 million active mobile customers and over 1.5 million Internet customers. 

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