8:00am Wednesday 10th February 2010
By Mark Bowen
Hereford students have used their film-making skills to bring home the message about the dangers of drink-driving.
Students from Hereford College of Technology have been shooting a short film as part of the Bottletop project, which has been developed to raise awareness of alcohol abuse.
Police gave advice when students were producing the film, which focuses on the death of a drink-driving victim, and even made a guest appearance.
“The film shows a middle-aged couple receiving news that their child has died in a drink-driving accident,” said Dave Marshall, of the Bulmer Foundation.
“Police gave advice about what they do in these situations and even acted out the scene.”
The film is part of the Bottletop project, which is managed by the Bulmer Foundation and developed for 16 to 18-year-olds who attend Hereford’s three further education colleges.
The project has involved street theatre with participants exploring ideas about alcohol misuse as a springboard for developing the content of a website.
Bottletop.info includes posters modelled by students, cartoons, animation, video and audio to give students the chance to voice their opinions in their own words.
Adelaide McLaughlin, who teaches at Herefordshire College of Technology, said: “Bottletop has caught the imagination of my students and brought the syllabus to life.
“They have thought deeply, learned new skills and had some amazing experiences.”
Students are also looking for someone convicted of drink-driving to talk to them about their experiences.
The discussion and their identity will be confidential. Volunteers can call Mr Marshall on 07919 986776.
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