We are very happy to announce that Catherine McAllister, BBC’s lead for online safety and Head of Safeguarding in the Children’s department, is confirmed as the third judge for the Childnet Film Competition. We found out about her role at the BBC and what her top tips for making a winning entry are.
Who are you and what is your role at the BBC?
I am the Head of Safeguarding in the Children’s department, and I’m also the BBC’s lead for online safety. That means that I’m responsible for helping make sure that the BBC’s digital services for young people are safe, but I also help the BBC when it comes to making content aimed at educating children and young people about online safety.
What are you most looking forward to about being a judge for the competition?
All the amazingly different ideas in the films! I’ve judged the competition before and it’s so brilliant to see how hugely differently each one is from any of the others. The competition is a great opportunity to hear from young people themselves, because they are often the real experts.
What top tips would you share to the young people taking part in the competition?
Think about the audience for your film! Think about the response you want them to have and try to keep that in mind. And don’t overcomplicate it – often the strongest messages can be the very simplest.
And finally, in your opinion, why should someone enter the Childnet Film Competition?
Because it’s an amazing opportunity for any budding filmmaker to showcase their talents, and also maybe even get other children and young people to think about online safety in a new way.
Applications for the Childnet Film Competition close on the 12th June 2017. For more information about the competition visit www.childnet.com/film-competition
