MetFilm School lecturer, Justin Trefgarne has developed and written a brand-new series for the YouTube streaming platform. Sherwood is a 10-episode series aimed at 9-11 year-olds it was launched on March 6.The show draws on the legend of Robin Hood for its inspiration but with the added dimensions that Robin is a girl, and it’s set in the 23rd Century. The trailer had over 5 million views, and the first episode has surpassed that, racking up over 7 million views heading into its second week.
“I am absolutely delighted. When it was launched last week, I tried to ignore it, put my head in the sand, but when I had a look on Monday, I couldn’t believe it – over 6m views then. I’m really overwhelmed by this, to know so many people have seen it. A lot of hard work has gone into this series, some of it’s mine, but also the animators and producers – it’s the best possible outcome.” Justin commented “I take the role at MetFilm School very seriously, it’s hugely rewarding and as the industry is changing so quickly, I find each new cohort brings with them new information about how these tech-savvy young people are consuming film and what the future might look like for film.
Trefgarne said that the Internet has democratised filmmaking, and I want to de-mystify the filmmaking process – the only way to learn how to make films, any kind of film, is to actually start making them. He went on to add that the new streaming platforms, such as YouTube have opened up lots of new employment opportunities and it’s both very rewarding and challenging for me to work with these young people, it’s hugely enriching. Justin explained that fell in love with film after watching Superman 2 (Christopher Reeve) at Woking’s only cinema. He said that the strapline of the film was. “You’ll believe a man can fly” – and that ignited his desire to make films.
Justin is course leader on MetFilm School’s MA Film & TV Production, he’s been working with the Ealing film school since 2009. He is originally from Woking (Surrey) and now lives in Wandsworth. He has two sons aged 11 and 16.