They have gathered under the light of an Admiralty street lamp - amateur actors, writers and directors with a passion for filmmaking. If all goes well on this chilly March evening, the dozen wannabe movie makers will forget their day jobs and film a two-page screenplay. A few brace in the cold as Aaron Palermo, one of the organisers, calls for their attention.
'We're going to shoot everyone saying their lines three times,' says the American, who works as a producer at a local film and television company. 'It's a comedy, people. Have fun with it.'
Organisers say the sessions have been an effective way of finding like-minded people keen to produce quality independent film projects.
'We exist to encourage anyone who's ever dreamed of acting, directing or writing for the screen to step up and give it their best shot,' says co-organiser Steve Kerr, who teaches English and cinema studies at a secondary school.
The Australian has arrived with sound equipment, lights and a high-end digital camcorder, and sets up while the actors are briefed.
