Screenplay writer's Pilton visit

Paul Laverty is an award-winning screenplay writer

Award-winning screenplay writer Paul Laverty is to give aspiring young film-makers a rare opportunity to get some insider secrets in Edinburgh.

The man behind British film, Sweet Sixteen, is to visit the Pilton Video project on Wednesday.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has arranged for young people involved in the project to get the chance to show clips of films they have made.

Mr Laverty will then discuss the films and processes they went through.

They will also hear about some of the films Mr Laverty has been involved in and find out more about the demands of professional screenwriting.

Right direction

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr MacAskill said: "I believe that the best way to make sure our young people are an asset to their communities and reach their potential is to give them interesting opportunities that can inspire and motivate them.

"From film-making and photography, to football and athletics, we need to have a range of options so that as many youngsters as possible can find the right direction in life.

"Although Scotland is awash with famous people during the festival, it's not every day that an award winning screenplay writer takes time to visit the young people who are interested in a similar career."

He said the Scottish government would be investing money seized from criminals to give more young people access to the kinds of projects they actually wanted to be involved in.

Mr Laverty was visiting Pilton Video for about an hour on Tuesday evening.