Digital media projects
Throughout the year we run a range of exciting digital media projects for young people to participate in. Our projects provide young people with an array of opportunities to get creative, learn new skills and connect with fellow creatives.
We provide specialised training in digital media where you will learn techniques such as editing, sound design, screenwriting and camerawork. In previous projects young people have learnt how to produced short films and documentaries, setup a photography shoot, recorded original music, created a smartphone app and curated an exhibition. The programme is fun, free and open to all skill levels from beginners who'd like to have a go to those interested in working in the digital industries.
As well as supporting and training young people, our media projects are designed to engage and benefit the wider community. Many of them have been developed in partnership with other not-for-profit organisations.
If you have an idea for a digital media project, are interested in getting involved with our current project in any way, or want more information, please contact Andrew South, Digital Media Programme Manager, T: 0208 354 5534 E: andrew.south@octaviafoundation.org.uk
Featured project
Watch our 2 short films 'The Beats Beneath' and 'Waking the Dead'
Waking the Dead is a project which was funded by £76,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. We engaged with over 100 young people of varying ages and backgrounds from the local area were given access to numerous training opportunities such as oral history recording, film making and archive research. The young people have created 2 short films, a visual media art sculpture and a smart phone app which creates an interactive tour of the cemetery, documenting the notable and interesting figures buried there.
During the project the young people explored the lives and local history of the figures buried at Kensal Green Cemetery (such as Joe Strummer, Harold Pinter and Wilkie Collins) and explored the different traditions, cultures and approaches to death.
The young people have created 2 short films, a visual media art sculpture and a smart phone app which creates an interactive tour of the cemetery, documenting the notable and interesting figures buried there. The first short film ‘Beats Beneath’ focuses on those who helped create the Notting Hill Carnival and the musical figures who pioneered soundsystem culture and layed the roots for grime and hip hop.
'Waking the Dead' is a short performance piece exploring the work of Wilkie Collins, Harold Pinter, Lady Jane Wilde, Erich Fried and Joe Strummer of The Clash
'The Beats Beneath' explores the history of the Notting Hill Carnival and the key figures who helped shape it and are laid to rest in Kensal Green Cemetery
Check out our project blog here
Waking the Dead app now available on the app store
Navigate this scenic cemetery with our innovative app, and find out about the sound system pioneers who created Carnival; celebrities of their day who scandalised London; and a host of people who made our world. You’ll find 3 bespoke walks and a wealth of audio-visual information about remarkable figures, from Count Suckle to Charles Babbage and Joe Strummer. This Octavia Foundation project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and all the content was curated, photographed and recorded by local young people.
Download from the app store Download on google play
Previous projects
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Waking the Dead
the project will uncover the hidden histories of Kensal Green cemetery, one of London’s oldest public burial grounds.
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Yo London!
The Yo! London showcase brings together over 80 photographs that explore the connection young people have with their London and its inhabitants.
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The Story of QPR
Charts the history of Queens Park Rangers football club and documents the heritage of London's W12 area (trailer 2mins16, full film 60mins) 2015
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#Reprazent
Four films challenging common perceptions of young people in Britain (35mins51, 62mins, 26mins31, 68mins) 2013
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Doing it Right
A short film about sexual health. 13m58. 2013.
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Margins to Mainstream
Tells the story of black theatre in Britain (trailer 2mins35) 2012
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Bridging the Gaps
Addresses the confusion around changes to welfare and benefits in England (10mins) 2011.
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Breaking into the Museum
Award-winning short film by Chris Lamontagne (3mins11) 2010
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Our Borough, Our Future
Raises awareness about climate change. (11mins06) 2010.
