Young aspiring film-makers will be given the chance to develop their skills at workshops starting this weekend in Auckland.

Youthtown, an organisation to help young people develop physical and creative skills, will host short film workshops on Saturdays beginning tomorrow.

The workshops are aimed at 13 to 18-year-olds and will focus on improving skills that include camera technique, acting, editing, production and directing.

Film-maker and AUT University communications lecturer Jim Marbrook, who recently directed the documentary Mental Notes, telling the story of New Zealand’s psychiatric asylums, says the workshops have the potential to be really successful.

Marbrook, a self-proclaimed “late bloomer”, did not start his film-making career until he went to film school at Concordia University in Montreal.

He did not make Indoors, his first professional film, until he left university. However he sees the benefits of starting at a young age.

“It will help steer them in the right direction.”

With access to such a wide degree of modern equipment it will only help develop their skills, says Marbrook.

Students who do the workshops will be encouraged to enter a film in the New Zealand 2012 Jump Cut Short Film Competition, which is open for 13 to 18-year-olds.

Youthtown chief executive Keith Thorpe says this competition is always a highlight for the 80-year-old organisation.

“We are excited to be bringing it back for the ninth year.”

Thorpe believes the workshops and competition are great ways to reward and recognise emerging talent.

Marbrook says the New Zealand film industry is showing the world who Kiwis really are.

“Modern New Zealand films are truly reflecting the diversity of New Zealand,” he says.

Marbrook says because technology is becoming more affordable, a higher number of low budget films can be made that further showcase local talent.

Films such as The Orator, Sione’s Wedding, and the yet-to-be completed Mt Zion, are examples of films demonstrating this, he says.

The workshops, which will run until the end of June, will be held on Saturdays at Youthtown’s central Auckland location on Nelson St from 11am until 3pm.

To register, go to the Youthtown website.