Clydesider TV Catch-up

Clydesider TV was launched earlier this year, a new digital project designed to bring community voices, stories and creativity from across West Dunbartonshire to your screens in a modern, engaging format.

From musicians and poets to green spaces and community champions, Clydesider TV is all about shining a light on the stories that make this community unique.

This idea stemmed from two key inspirations - the sweeping success of our first serious foray into the world of video content, our Take a Minute: Local Heritage series, and the invaluable short films created by our amazing volunteers as part of our Cost of Living multi-media project, which showed a huge appetite for similar content.

This year we held filmmaking workshops for volunteers and the public and have been blown away by the ability and enthusiasm exhibited.

Building on this success, weʼre now aiming to involve even more volunteers in every stage of the project - from story development and filming to editing and presenting. If youʼre interested in getting involved, email jenny@clydesider.org for more details.

And to give you an insight into the guys behind the cameras our volunteers decided to throw a few questions at Clydesider TVʼs Kevin and Harvey, to see how the project is going.

Billy: Where can we watch Clydesider TV?

Kevin: Folks can access Clydesider TV on YouTube, and also see updates of what is going on with Clydesider TV on our Clydesider pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Patricia: What's the best thing about working with Clydesider volunteers?

Harvey: My favourite part of working with our volunteers is their enthusiasm and the chance to share what I know with them. Itʼs incredibly rewarding to watch them put those skills into practice and create something they never thought they could. Thatʼs a fulfilling feeling.

Steven: What has been one of your favourite experiences whilst making a video for Clydesider TV?

Kevin: Filming Harveyʼs big breakout moment, ʻMushroom Spotting with Harveyʼ, was definitely a highlight. We had a couple of quiet afternoons with decent weather and thought weʼd try something different - no grand plan or big expectations.

What I didnʼt realise was that Harvey is basically a walking mushroom encyclopedia plus a natural on camera. I spent half the time behind the lens trying not to laugh, and I think that genuine sense of fun really comes through in the finished videos. We just need to make sure Harvey doesnʼt turn into a diva now!

Janet: What experiences or influences shaped you before joining the team, and what continues to motivate you at Clydesider?

Harvey: Before moving to the area I lived all over the place but never really felt like I belonged anywhere. Since moving to West Dunbartonshire four years ago and joining the Clydesider team I have met so many great people and learned so much about the history of this place that I feel as if I have lived here far longer! I think when you have lived somewhere your entire life you donʼt realise how special it is - I want to help change that by celebrating the stories, people and heritage that make this area unique.

Mary: What’s your most embarrassing moment while on a Clydesider assignment?

Kevin: Well, that depends. If weʼre counting work- related embarrassment, itʼd have to be the time I turned up for a Board meeting two weeks early. I sat there like a right numpty for nearly an hour, wondering why everyone was late. Turns out, after I had called a very confused Amanda, it was just me who was early - by a fortnight. To add insult to injury this was also my day off.

Patricia: What would be a dream project for you?

Kevin: Harvey and I have a few project ideas up our sleeve, but I shouldnʼt name any as weʼve not ran them past the boss first! Weʼre always keen for volunteers to be as involved in the process of brainstorming video ideas as we are.

Steven: Have you learned anything new since working on Clydesider TV?

Harvey: I feel like every time I go out to film, I learn something new. Just recently, I was out shooting with our volunteer and resident tree- whisperer Johnny, who shared loads of fascinating knowledge with me. For example, I had no idea that horse chestnut trees arenʼt actually native to the UK!

Moments like that make every filming day an opportunity to discover something unexpected.

Billy: Do Harvey and Kevin have any good outtakes?

Harvey: Watch our Mushroom Spotting bloopers video on YouTube this coming Christmas to see me acting like a complete fanny!

Kayleigh: How can people get involved with Clydesider TV?

…And who has the best dress sense Kevin or Harvey?

Kevin: Weʼre always on the lookout for new ideas, stories, and brave souls willing to hold a camera on set. If youʼd like to get involved, have a cracking video idea, or know someone with a story worth telling, send us a wee message to tv@clydesider.org - weʼll take it from there.

Oh and for the sake of avoiding a fall out, itʼs Harvey. No-one rocks a pair of stonewash Wranglers like that man.