Young adults who have been working hard all summer to produce short films about peer pressure were able to see them on screen as they premiered on Saturday (3rd November). Pier Pressure was created by young people in a bid to boost understanding of the problems teenagers can get into in a seaside resort. It also set out to show how teens are misrepresented and how they are stereotyped.
The themes of the pieces which were helped into production by White Lantern Films included Reality Knocks, a story about racism within a relationship and the community; Some Days are Bad, showing how peer pressure can affect an individual within a group of so called friends and finally Chips which highlighted the affects of alcohol and how we should be responsible for the safety of others in modern society.
The films also gained support from celebrities such as former Steps band member Lee Latchford Evans who made an appearance in Reality Knocks. Lee who used to talk to teens about the pressures of fame said “I didn’t realise how involved I was getting, it started off that I was presenting the premiere and soon I was asked to be in one of the films.” Lee continued to say how impressed he had been with the efforts that went in during production and told us how important these issues are, “I was bullied as a child so I know what it’s like, the films are realistic and these things do happen. I think you should be able to do what we want and be mature about it.” Lee’s current band The Latch also performed during the after show party “I’ve been in this band for three years and want it to be my life as I get to work with lots of different people.”
Other notable personal who attended the premiere included Shabnam Paryani who appeared in the latest series of Big Brother, “It is important to speak your mind” she said, “People who force you into things don’t care about you and they just want to have a good time.” Paryani continued to say how passionate she was that these issues be made public and how she had first hand experience of peer pressure at home.
The music used within the film was written by Bournemouth local, Michael Ricketts. “I took inspiration from the kids and wrote one song for each film. I feel everyone is affected by peer pressure and it is important to highlight it.”
British Touring Car racer Tom Chilton also made a guest appearance in one of the films, “I play the rapist’s mate in Chips. I got called up to take part for a good cause and am in it for five seconds.” Chilton also spoke about how he dealt with the acting, “I have never acted before. I’m the clown so I found it out of character.”
Although the night had been promoted by these familiar names it was ultimately about the young people, who had acted, directed and written the pieces. Tristram Anyian was forced out of his home by his parents after being pressured into religion and had been living in the YMCA. “I was asked to get involved with the directing and have been overwhelmed by the experience and getting to meet new people. I hope to go to Bournemouth University and maybe then work for the BBC in film production.” Anyian commented on how difficult yet rewarding the filming had been, “We were filming on set for three days between five and seven hours a day. When watching it my heart was pumping but I am proud of our film, I would really like to get involved again next year.”
The teens enjoyed an award ceremony after the films had been shown with Lee Latchford Evans accompanying the mayor of Bournemouth in handing out the prizes and the night continued with music from The Latch and then music from local radio station – Fire FM.
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