ASPIRING film-makers with bags of enthusiasm are being offered help to break into the movie business with the launch of a new venture in York.

James Richards and Alasdair Beckett-King have launched a series of weekend courses to tap into creative talent and teach movie-makers how to get started in screenwriting and filming.

A decade ago, the cost of cameras and film stock made independent movie production too expensive for most aspiring film-makers.

But, thanks to today’s technology, the duo say it is possible to create movies on a zero budget using a digital video camera and editing software downloaded free from the web.

The courses are open to people of any age and background, covering planning and scripting, filming and editing with guidance on the next steps and where to find out more.

No previous experience is needed. Training will be done using the type of video cameras most people can operate and afford.

“The main thing we are trying to instil is confidence,” said James, of CITYsj Productions, the commercial film production wing of York St John University, where he lectures.

“The film industry can seem like another world. Unless you have the confidence to take those first steps you will never know if you are any good at it.”

But he insists: “The basics are simple. It is good fun, cheap and there’s more of a market now with Youtube and MySpace. People just need the confidence to go out and do it themselves.

“You don’t need to be Martin Scorsese or have gone to film school for three years. You can just get started and, once the bug bites, there’s no stopping.”

Both James and Alasdair have won awards for their work. Among James’s credits as a freelance writer is the BBC1 BAFTA-winning drama Truth Or Dare, starring John Hannah and Helen Baxendale, which he co-wrote.

Alasdair, a York Theatre, Film & Television graduate, won the RTS Student Award 2006 for his work as director, writer and for visual effects on a short film, Flapwing And The Last Work Of Ezekiel Crumb.

The York-based course will be held at Miller’s Yard, off Gillygate, on the weekend of August 2 and 3. The cost will be £48.

“CITYsj Productions can’t promise to turn you into Martin Scorsese or Ridley Scott over a weekend,” said James. “But we can demystify the film-making process and give you the confidence to plan and make your own movies.”

Places are limited and can be reserved by emailing j.richards1@yorksj.ac.uk or phoning 876413 or 07840 796788.