December 1, 2025
ECHO Film Workshop Sparks Creativity in Young People
MTNS MADE was proud to support member Matt Jackson at the recent ECHO Youth Music Event in Katoomba, where he delivered a dynamic, hands-on short-film workshop for young creatives.
Using the Seminar Room at Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, situated behind the scenes of ECHO, the region’s inaugural showcase of incredible local bands, the workshop participants were given a rare opportunity to learn how to transform live performances into short, edited films. Matt guided the group through the fundamentals of camera use, lighting and movement techniques, before letting them dive straight into filming five live bands in real time.
It was incredible to watch these young creatives take their newly learned skills and immediately put them into action. The energy, focus, and confidence they gained throughout the process was truly inspiring.
The workshop didn’t stop at shooting, either, with participants also receiving an overview of how to edit footage into short sequences using professional tools. And with Matt’s extensive filmmaking experience (including the SBS docuseries American Candy), each band will receive a simple final edit crafted from the participants’ work, giving these young filmmakers the thrill of seeing their footage reach a real audience.
MTNS MADE is honoured to help bring opportunities like this to young people in the Mountains, offering experiences that not only build practical and creative skills but also connect them with the talented industry professionals who live and work in our region.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF NGURRA
The City of the Blue Mountains is located within the Ngurra (Country) of the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples. MTNS MADE recognises that Dharug and Gundungurra Traditional Owners have a continuous and deep connection to their Country and that this is of great cultural significance to Aboriginal people, both locally and in the region. For Dharug and Gundungurra People, Ngurra takes in everything within the physical, cultural and spiritual landscape – landforms, waters, air, trees, rocks, plants, animals, foods, medicines, minerals, stories and special places. It includes cultural practice, kinship, knowledge, songs, stories and art, as well as spiritual beings, and people: past, present and future. Blue Mountains City Council pays respect to Elders past and present while recognising the strength, capacity and resilience of past and present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Blue Mountains region.
MTNS MADE is proudly delivered by Blue Mountains City Council