“The funding towards my camera has been a total game changer, allowing me to take on opportunities, hugely increase my videography skills, and help get important messages around youth action and conservation out into the world.” Ellie Moore
Background
Ellie Moore has been an active member of the Cairngorms Youth Action Team (CYAT) since 2018, a passion she discovered while studying for her MA in Film & Television. Her involvement with the CYAT not only ignited her love for the outdoors but also led her to a career as a ranger in the West Highlands, working on Ben Nevis and in Glen Nevis. Her work is a fusion of her passion for conservation and her skills in videography, which she continues to explore and develop through her involvement with the CYAT.
Project Objectives
Ellie inherited a DSLR camera from her late grandfather almost a decade ago, sparking her interest in photography. However, its lack of video capabilities limited her ability to fully pursue her passion for filmmaking. Through her role in the CYAT, Ellie connected with organisations seeking to market conservation projects, which presented her with opportunities to develop her skills in videography. However, she needed updated hardware to make her aspirations a reality. With the help of funding from the Youth Local Action Group (YLAG), she was able to purchase a new camera, transforming her ability to take on projects that promote youth action and conservation.
Ellie’s primary goal was to ensure that her project aligned with the aims of the YLAG, which include sustainability, skills development, and nature connection. She deliberately chose a Canon camera body so that she could continue using her existing lenses, minimising waste and promoting sustainability. Her films focus on critical themes like biodiversity, the climate emergency, and youth involvement in conservation efforts.
Key Focus Areas
- Sustainability and Biodiversity: By choosing to continue using her existing peripheral camera kit, Ellie promoted sustainability in her project. Her films emphasise the importance of addressing the climate emergency and protecting biodiversity, as she works with conservation organisations and young people.
- Inter-generational Collaboration: Ellie bridges the gap between generations, using her media skills to connect with older conservation professionals who may not be as familiar with technology. This exchange of knowledge fosters collaboration between individuals with decades of conservation experience and young creatives like Ellie.
- Skills Development: With her own camera, Ellie has been able to practice and perfect her filmmaking techniques, moving from theory to hands-on experience. This has allowed her to collaborate with other creatives and activists, further enhancing her skills.
- Art, Creativity, and Culture: Ellie’s films offer a creative exploration of the natural environment and local culture in the Cairngorms and the Highlands. She enjoys the challenge of resourcefully producing high-quality work with limited equipment, and her films highlight the beauty and importance of Scotland’s natural landscapes.
- Nature Connection: Ellie’s work aims to inspire others to connect with nature. She has promoted conservation volunteering through her films, encouraging others to engage with the natural world and make a positive impact on the environment. Her content also highlights the importance of youth involvement in conservation efforts.
- Health and Well-being: Through her work, Ellie advocates for the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors. Her passion for nature and filmmaking enhances her well-being, and she hopes to inspire others to find the same joy and fulfillment through outdoor activities and conservation efforts.
- Building Community and Networks: Ellie’s work has helped her forge connections with other creatives, conservationists, and organisations. She hopes that her films will continue to inspire others to get involved in conservation and volunteer with the CYAT.
- Inclusion and Representation: Ellie uses her films to give a voice to the natural environment, promoting sustainability and conservation. While wildlife and nature may not be a traditionally underrepresented group, she believes it is vital to amplify their importance for the future of our planet.
Challenges and Solutions
- Cost: Although the YLAG funding was crucial in helping Ellie purchase her camera, she still needed to cover more than half of the total cost. She achieved this by saving over time and dedicating earnings from small videography projects to her camera fund, knowing that this investment would lead to larger opportunities.
- Additional Equipment: As Ellie’s filmmaking skills developed, she realised the need for additional equipment, such as a high-quality microphone, to match the improved video quality. By committing to new projects, she has been able to acquire some of this equipment and plans to continue building her kit as her work progresses.
Impact of the Funding
The funding allowed Ellie to create professional films that have already begun to make an impact. She produced a promotional film for the CYAT and YLAG, which will hopefully attract new members to the team. Ellie is also working on a film documenting youth action in the Cairngorms National Park, aimed at encouraging school students to get involved in conservation efforts.
Looking beyond the Cairngorms, Ellie has been commissioned to create a film on a large-scale nature restoration project in the West Highlands, with the goal of showcasing the project to the public in an accessible way. The film is set to debut at the Fort William Mountain Festival in February.
In addition to her professional work, Ellie has started creating personal films that explore nature connection and the benefits of outdoor exploration. Her recent overseas expedition provided footage for a film that will tell the story of how her journey into the wilderness helped improve her confidence and self-esteem.
Conclusion
Ellie Moore’s journey in conservation and videography demonstrates the power of combining passion with skills development. Through the support of the YLAG and her involvement with the CYAT, Ellie has been able to create impactful films that promote youth action, sustainability, and conservation, while also inspiring others to connect with nature.
The Youth Local Acton Group Fund supports projects or activities that includes some or all of the following fund priorities.
- Sustainability, biodiversity and addressing the climate emergency
• Skills development
• Inter-generational projects
• Art, creativity and culture
• Nature connection
• Fun, health, happiness & wellbeing
• Building community, networks and interactions between people
• Inclusion and under-represented groups
For more information visit https://cairngormstrust.org.uk/about-us/cairngorms-youth-lag/
