360 Films
Members of Troupe worked with film maker Iain Gray, Director Toni McElhatton, Writer Sarah Watson and Curious Monkey’s creative team to produce a 360 film installation in 2018, sharing the experiences that young people have as they move through different placements in the care system. The group were involved in creating the characters and the stories as well as working on the production and performances in the films.
In May 2021, we filmed a set of three new 360 films written by Paddy Campbell in consultation with members of Troupe and other young people with experience of the care system, carers and social workers exploring the theme of family contact. These films will be used in training settings and other events to raise awareness of the issues faced by people with personal or professional experience of the care system to encourage empathy and ultimately improve that experience.
The 360 films were funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, The Kavli Trust and the Newcastle Culture Investment Fund through the Community Foundation Serving Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.
Leaving 360 (2018)
A film sharing the experiences of young people as they move through different placements in the care system.
Being a teenager is stressful. You have to worry about things like puberty, prom, exams, but being a teenager in the care system makes the usual teenage worries feel laughable.
You’ll witness this first hand when you become Jackson. You’ll see life through his eyes when he is passed from pillar to post without any say in the matter. From the homely atmosphere of his foster placement, to the rowdy and chaotic tempo of a care home until he's classed as an adult and thrown into the eerie silence of his own flat, and he still has to attend meeting after meeting.
With all these changes in such a short space of time, it's no wonder it’s having an impact on his mental health not to mention his education.
Developed through the voices of those with care experience, Leaving360 pulls you into the reality of Jackson’s world - as he is living it.
Credits Leaving 360 (2018)
Curious Monkey is grateful for the support of our funders: The Kavli Trust, The Clothworkers’ Foundation and the Wellesley Trust Fund through the Tyne and Wear Community Foundation.
Director: Toni McElhatton
Filmmaker: Iain Gray
Artistic Director: Amy Golding
Writer: Sarah Watson
Set and Location Design: Molly Barrett
Sound Recordist: Andy Ludbrook
Sound Assistant: Hannah McParlin
Performers: Luke Maddison, Dan Watson, Jess Johnson, Izzy Sorby, Shahbaaz Khan, Jake Jarrett, Jane Humphreys, Micky Cochrane
Thanks to our extras and members of Troupe: Brandon, Orion, Josh, Jamie, Ezra, Rebecca, Tomas, Harrison, Samu, Sam, Abu, Linda, Scott, Victoria, Gary and Beth.