TWO young film enthusiasts from Gwent have been accepted onto a national talent development programme.

The scheme, run by education charity Into Film, will see the youngsters have expert training and get hands-on experience in film reviewing, interviewing professionals, and reporting from film events and red-carpet premieres.

Ten-year-old Lee Roche, who attends St Julian’s Primary School in Newport, and Dewi Thomas, 13, who attends Ysgol Gyfun Rhymni in Blackwood, applied for the programme in March by submitting audition tapes citing their passion for movies.

The programme helps pupils experience behind-the-scenes elements of the film industry, and will run for a full school year.

Participants learn how to write film reviews, research and prepare questions for interviews, and present to camera – as well as speaking to the likes of Idris Elba, Steven Spielberg, Daniel Radcliffe, Kate Winslet, Harrison Ford and George Clooney.

The pair have already been to their first training day.

Lee said: “I wanted to get involved in the programme because I think it’s the best thing.

“I wanted to get the chance to interview some amazing people.”

Dewi added: “I enjoyed presenting to camera because I had really good feedback.

“The activities were all really well-organised.

“We got put into groups and did things like research, presenting to camera and writing reviews.

“I enjoy anything to do with technology, so today was great.”

Into Film Clubs are free for all state funded schools and offer free access to thousands of films and education resources for learning through and about film.

The development programme is supported by the British Film Institute (BFI), together with funding from the film industry and a number of other sources.