FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --
Gold Coast Video Gives Bullies The Flick
Bullying is everywhere and most anti-bullying campaigns focus on the bullies. Few have addressed the needs of the victims of bullies so a group of Gold Coast film makers have produced a video that encourages victims to dance to their own beat.
The video is called Free You Be You and it's purpose is to show the victims of bullies how to stand tall and celebrate who they are. Free You Be You is an MTV-style dance video with over 300 volunteers who all came together to work on the music, dancing, acting and crew to let bully survivors know how special they are and that they are not alone.
Free You Be You empowers the victims of bullies by spreading the message that they have the power to free themselves and that their pride in who they are is their best defence. Writer and producer Shirley Pierce says, “We're using dance to deliver the message because it's the perfect medium to celebrate the spirit of freedom that every bullying victim wants and deserves. The style of dance we're using is an energetic and liberating hip-hop.”
The original song for Free You Be You was written by 12 year old Gold Coast student, Amber Arnold, when she was the victim of bullies. Giving the mix an urban flavour, Gold Coast rapper, Bull Dog, himself a bully survivor, is also on the track. Ben Smart, triple world dance champion, provided the choreography.
The stellar cast features: Cleo Massey of H2O: Just Add Water, Eric James Gravolin, who danced with the Queensland Ballet and Larissa George, a young Maori actress with a brilliant future. Plus there are over 100 Gold Coast dancers.
The video's director, Tom McSweeney, says, “If one child is saved or one heart is mended, it is worth it.” An Emmy Award nominated casting director, Tom has worked on over two hundred film and television projects starring Ben Affleck, Renee Zellweger, Denise Richards and Judy Davis to name a few.
Free You Be You was created by Shirley Pierce, who worked for Walt Disney Studios on major releases like Dinosaur and Meet the Robinsons. Her partners are David Mace-Kaff, Lauren-ann Smith and Angus Ledgerwood. The script was co-written by Shirley and her daughter Meagan, whose experiences as a bully survivor brought so many people together to show their support.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shirley Pierce
0422-220-659