An Aberdeen-based community media charity is launching two free projects aiming to identify television and music stars of the future and improve lives along the way.

Station House Media Unit (SHMU) is now in the process of recruiting for the forthcoming schemes, thanks to investment from Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative and Cashback for Creativity programme.

For those who love their music, the shmuSOUND project is open to ages 14-25 and includes workshops with industry experts and the chance to record a collection of songs in a state-of-the-art studio with Iain Macpherson, who is widely-regarded as one of Scotland’s top sound engineers.

YouthTV – which forms part of shmuTV - is also about to launch a live TV Internet channel and is for 14-19 year olds. Those taking part will get to experience all aspects of the fast-paced world of television and film, whether behind or in front of the camera.

Creative Scotland’s CashBack for Creativity programme re-invests the monies seized from criminals back into cultural activities for young people across Scotland, the programme is supported by the Scottish Governments CashBack for Communities Initiative.

Iain Munro, Director of Creative Development for Creative Scotland, said;

“This is fantastic opportunity for budding young films makers and musicians in the North East, to work with industry experts, build on their passion for music and film, and learn about the industry.

"During 2012 in the Year of Creative Scotland, the CashBack for Creativity programme will create opportunities for over 8,000 young people across Scotland to express themselves creatively through music, film and dance. 

"Taking part in creative activity can make a real difference to people’s lives, broadening horizons, developing skills, and helps to build confidence and self-esteem.”

These projects are open to young people from the city’s regeneration areas and are designed to help transform the lives of those who would not normally have the opportunity to participate in television and music training courses. The aim is to help develop a range of skills, build confidence and bring together young people from different communities.

While the focus is on developing the sorts of skills that will benefit young people is all aspects of their lives, there is always the chance the next Emeli Sandé or Nick Grimshaw may emerge along the way and be set on the path to stardom.

Stevie Kearney, shmuSOUND Manager; “The backing from Creative Scotland has helped us assemble an exceptionally high-quality team of tutors, so those taking part will be inspired and will get the best possible help in what will be a really transformational project – and potentially the first step into a music or television career”.

Sara Stroud, shmuTV Manager, said; “Young people have the technology on their phones to be making and broadcasting films. We want to provide an opportunity for young people to come together in a safe environment and give them a platform to share ideas, have fun and make youth TV content that they want to watch.”

For more information on signing up to shmuSOUND, the email address is sound@shmu.org.uk, while all shmuTV information can be found by emailing tv@shmu.org.uk. Alternatively, you can call on 01224 515013 or text TRAINING, followed by your name, to 60300.

For further information please visit Station House Media Unit website.

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