Girls in Fort McMurray will soon have the chance to see what it’s like behind the camera, as a workshop focusing on making films and television shows arrives at Keyano College next week.

The five-day workshop from Girls In Film and Television, a non-profit Edmonton organization, will give girls between the ages of 13 and 19 a chance to create, write and film a short story. They will be taught how to use cameras and audio equipment, and learn about lighting, directing, acting and editing. No prior experience is necessary to attend the program.

“The more women we have behind the camera, the more women that we’ll see in front of the camera and the more representation we’ll see,” said Elise Graham, who works in the production and directing portion of the workshop.

According to GIFT’s website, the top 100 films of 2017 had male protagonists outnumber female protagonists by a ratio of three-to-one. Graham added that in those same 100 films, women represented 14 per cent of editors, 10 per cent of writers and eight per cent of directors.

Graham said it’s important for the organization to reach communities where broadcasting and production isn’t as readily available.

“There’s a thousand jobs to do on set and we go through a little piece of all of them,” she said. “We want to give them the whole world of production.”

Telus Storyhive, an organization that helps support filmmakers across Alberta and British Columbia, largely funds the workshops.

The workshop also gives the girls a chance to speak with the all-women instructors about their professional experiences.

“We really believe in the philosophy that if she can see it she can be it,” said Graham. “It’s not you can be the female version of me, it’s here I am in front of you, you can be me.”

Fort McMurray will be the first of seven workshop in communities across Alberta this year. Others include Grande Prairie, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

Graham said the program goes beyond the five-day workshop. It provides a resource for them in the future whether it’s getting them ready for post-secondary school or in their career.

“It’s really important to us to build a community,” she said. “I want these girls to be following up with me… We want to be a resource where girls can go.”

While the cost of the workshop is $325, Graham said there are two full subsidies available for girls identifying as Indigenous or a visible minority. The group is also willing to work with those who feel the price tag would be a barrier to them attending.

“We want to be as inclusive as possible,” she said. “Cost should not be a boundary.”

The workshop will be held at the Keyano College Theatre and Arts Centre from Feb. 25 to March 1. Those wanting to find out more information and to purchase a ticket can do so here.

lbeamish@postmedia.com