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A team of 14 children and young people have created a short film explaining the role and responsibilities of the Children's Commissioner for England.

Produced and directed by Duane Melius of SENSE Media, a youth-led social enterprise that uses media to empower and inspire young people, the film illustrates our key work areas of education, health, safeguarding, youth justice, positive contribution and asylum.

The production team included Angela, Elliot, Mita and Semi who worked with Duane to come up with the concept for the film. We were lucky enough to feature a number of children and young people in the film who did fantastic job on the day of filming. Our thanks go to the production team - two of whom feature in the film as well - plus Abel, Azeemah, Isfhan, Shackeina, Simone, Steven, Jamar, Shanice and Kevin. You can watch the film on the homepage of our website and our YouTube channel.

Semi, 17, talks about the experience below.

Interview with Semi

Hello everyone! I am going to talk about the Children's Commissioner's new film and what it is all about.

Why was the film made?

The film was made to explain what the key priorities are for the Children's Commissioner and her team, and to let children and young people know how they can get in touch with her. Kids should be able to have a say about the world we currently live in and to make their voices heard if they experience problems in their day-to-day lives.

Tell us about your role in the making of the film

Working with SENSE Media and a small group of young people, I helped to come up with ideas for what should be included in the film and played the role of a young person who finds themselves in prison. I also helped with carrying the camera and other equipment.

What did you learn?

I learned that making a film isn't easy and there are lots of things to consider, for example, making sure that the lighting is good. You also have to make sure that you have permission to film in certain locations.

What did you most enjoy?

I most enjoyed Duane (camera man) filming me. It was fun to play the part of a young person in trouble with the law and say a few words. I also enjoyed helping carry the equipment and in general being part of the film. I even had a say in the way some of the stuff should be filmed. 

Was there anything you found difficult?

I didn't find anything too difficult but memorising the words of the Children's Commissioner was a bit of a challenge, but anyone can do it in five minutes.

Has the experience made you want to do more film-making?

Definitely! This experience taught me I was a good actor. Only joking! I find it fun to do these kinds of things, because it is a new experience and I enjoyed myself. I hope to do something like this again maybe get involved in even more challenging projects.