Amber’s invite to Netflix UK after being named in top five of national storyboard competition

The work of a creative media production student at Coleg Sir Gâr has placed her in the top five of the Into Film: Time to Inspire competition, which resulted in an invitation to work with producers at London’s Netflix headquarters for the next step of the competition. 

Amber Liles, 17, who is studying a University of Arts London accredited level three diploma in creative media production, submitted a hand drawn storyboard for the competition which asked for stories to inspire five-to 15-year-olds. 

Amber’s story, which is set just after Medieval times, starts with a character of a lonely young girl called Seren, who lives in a Welsh village.

The opening scenes depict an atmosphere of gloom and sadness and during a walk one day, Seren comes across a red dragon called Ddraig Fach (Little Dragon), who is very sick and poorly and this is because the Welsh language is dying. 

Amber tries helping the dragon but gets pushed away by everyone she seeks help from and she feels like giving up.

The story does take a positive turn but it is also a reflection of Amber’s personal journey and her own message of not giving up and being heard. 

Her experience of travelling to London to work alongside Netflix producers and directors is a dream come true for Amber.

Amber Liles, said: “The Netflix visit was quite overwhelming but an absolutely amazing experience and proof that dreams can become reality.

“I was driven there by the company and was immediately drawn by the sky scraper building in central London and the aim of the visit was to work with the team, to develop my story board and learn how to work to a budget and find locations for filming and casting. 

“Seeing all the Netflix film-industry awards for the success of global productions was so inspiring and working in Netflix originals-themed rooms such as Squid Game, Stranger things and The Crown was incredible. 

“I would definitely say, if you have a dream, never ever give up.”

Into Film’s competition offers young people aged 13-19 across the UK the chance to turn their story into a short film and the winner will see their storyboard brought to life and featured in a film festival.