A Co Antrim boy has spoken of his joy after winning a nationwide competition, which will see his film idea be brought to life on TV.
The 'See Yourself on Screen' challenge was a UK-wide competition for 4-18 year olds, administered by the BFI’s Young Audience Content Fund.
Hundreds of young people sent in their 30-second video submissions, with a panel of judges choosing 15 overall winners.
7-year old Joshua seriously impressed the judges through two judging rounds, emerging as a final winner of the competition.
Joshua, who is an enthusiastic and excitable talker, said he was buzzing at the news that he had won.
"I was absolutely thrilled to hear the news that this was getting made," said Joshua. "My family worked with me on this idea, where I created a 'worry list' of all the things I was worried about during lockdown, and then threw it into the fire. I wanted to show other kids that we worry about things at this time but that everything's really OK."
Joshua's film idea captivated the competition judges. Along with all the finalists, J went on to received mentoring virtual masterclasses from some brilliant figures from the world of TV and film.
Each mentor offered hints and tips to help guide the finalists through the script writing and shooting process, before the finalists turned their idea into a reality.
As part of his win, Joshua had the honour of working Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films.
"To hear that I was going to be working with Matthew Lewis? I couldn't believe it!" says the excitable 7-year old. "He really was so helpful with my ideas."
Joshua's film, called ‘Home But Not Alone’, involves a poetry monologue that addresses the highs and lows of lockdown.
His mummy Emma said that working on the idea, as well as hearing the news that Joshua had won the competition, had come as a massive boost to the family during the difficult time of lockdown.
"Obviously this period is tough for everyone," she said. "Having two boys and trying to home school can be difficult - but this news has meant the world to us, and you can tell how much Joshua appreciates it!"
Despite his achievements, Joshua isn't ready to commit to being a full-time filmmaker just yet! The energetic youngster says that he's passionate about everything from dancing to football, on top of his filmmaking skills.
However, he is clear that he'll be glued to the TV next week, ready to see his film appear on kids TV show Milkshake!, on Channel 5.
"I've already told mum I'll be in charge of the TV next week," Joshua jokes, "waiting for my film to come on!"
The 15 overall winners have received virtual masterclasses from the likes of Rob Delaney, Reggie Yates, Harry Hill, Konnie Huq, Matthew Lewis and Jessica Hynes.
Their two-minute long mini-TV shows will air between 8th-10th July across the Challenge’s broadcast partners Channel 5’s Milkshake!, CITV and E4, with indigenous language content airing in Welsh (S4C) and Irish (TG4).
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