ONE of the region's talented movie makers is compiling a visual archive of other local artists, with a view to screening it in cinemas and museums.

Kendalian Simon Richardson is inviting any creative people with a connection to Kendal and its surrounding area to take part.

The film will feature brief episodes of individuals talking about their work and also being recorded in their creative environments. Simon is keen to stress that the project is open to non-professional and aspiring artists, as well as those more established in their chosen fields.

"My aim is to promote and celebrate the wealth and depth of creativity hereabouts," says Simon. "And to hopefully inspire collaboration between the members of this film. I’ve already filmed a local illustrator, author, ceramist, beat boxer and juggler to name just a few, along with representatives from music festivals and choirs."

Simon, 30, was the first student at Kirkbie Kendal school to make a fictional film. Later, when studying at Middlesbrough University, he took all the movie production modules available and made a feature on a local rock band. After returning home he worked with the Kendal Audio Visual Experience, providing workshops for teenagers at the Brewery Arts Centre. He also did a visual score for a musical event at Ulverston’s Lanternhouse. Then his travels took him abroad where he made films in Argentina and a short comedy in Bulgaria.

"I’m hoping this new work about Kendal artists will last an hour," explains Simon. ‘My intent is to have it viewed in cultural centres and also at short film screenings. The project is entirely self-funded so I need the support of people out there to get involved and create a buzz. My satisfaction comes from working with other artists. Getting a positive reaction to finished projects always outweighs any monetary gain for me."

Using the title Cre8iv ConnXion, Simon hopes his enterprise will inspire similar projects elsewhere with one website used as a base for them all.

Simon can be contacted via: www.videolitics.wordpress.com