Plastered is the work of LA Productions, a Liverpool company headed up by local film maker Colin McKeown, led by the Liverpool Culture Company. Eight teenage boys, recommended by youth service and major funder Connexions, star in the work alongside young local extras. The storyline looks at the choices that young people make while under the influence of alcohol and depicts a car crash, a death, domestic violence and an unfortunate sexual encounter- but it could all have been prevented.
The film is part of a violence awareness and prevention programme called It's Not OK! - which is being overseen by Creative Education Manager Gaynor Wright. She said: "There's a number of different scenarios in the film that the young people find themselves in, with many happening solely as a result of alcohol abuse. We're including the film in a pack for teachers to discuss all the issues around alcohol-related violence, which will go to every school in Liverpool shortly."
Around 250 influential education guests from all over Merseyside and the North West will view the film at the 24th January premiere, with a red carpet and limousine for the stars to thank them for their hard work. Partners also include Liverpool Children's Services, Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and the Portman Group who support an alcohol awareness initiative.
Liverpool City Council leader, Councillor Warren Bradley, said: "Alcohol abuse is an ever-increasing issue and I fear that with extended licensing laws young people are all the more vulnerable. The film gets across the point that your future is in large part down to the decisions you make, and alcohol can seriously alter your judgement."
Other projects within the It's Not OK! programme, have included young offenders making radio adverts and secondary school pupils producing a violence-related drama in just two days with a team of creative professionals. The government has recognised the programme as being a Cultural Pathfinder, an example of good practice.