Bokeh_Yeah! is a Digital SLR film-making group based at MadLab, Manchester. It was established in March 2011 and is run voluntarily by artist and filmmaker Adele Myers. In response to the enthusiastic adoption of DSLR video by the film industry, Adele wanted to create a space in which filmmakers (including those making a first foray into DSLR production) could meet to share skills and resources. And so, Bokeh_Yeah! came in to being. It is a peer-led group that meets on the first Thursday of every month, with members from the local film-making community delivering free sessions on various aspects of film production. Most recently Jenny Longworth inspired members with her special effects and zombie make-up (you can see Jenny’s work here).
In previous film-making challenges, Bokeh_Yeah! members have collaborated on poetry films (with Comma Press), as well as music videos. Here is Adele’s film, Racing Times (2012), which was produced for the first poetry challenge:
In this short film an elderly runner traverses rough terrain in extreme weather conditions, struggling with the elements, the landscape and, ultimately, with time itself.
Racing Time is an adaptation of Chris Woods’ poem of the same name, which was published in Woods’ 2007 collection, Driving by Woods by Comma Press. Inspired by his neighbour Ron Heaton, a 70-year-old fell runner, Woods celebrates Heaton’s resolve to run in all weathers. In turn the filmmakers were inspired to create a work through which audiences could travel with the runner.
From May, Bokeh_Yeah! members will be taking on a Documentary challenge in the context of Pararchive. With ideas already brewing, you should watch this space!