Bendigo Community Health Services will use a video written and created by young volunteers to break down fears and misconceptions around attending a sexual health clinic and getting tested for a sexually transmissible disease.
STI-mulating was written and directed by young Castlemaine filmmaker Conor Moore and features actors Dominic McDonell and Alexandra Kerr along with Bendigo Community Health Services sexual health nurse Mary-Anne McCluskey.
A group of young volunteers gave their time to act as crew for the filming of STI-mulating.
STI-mulating aims to break down fears and misconceptions young people have about attending a sexual health clinic for an STI test.
WATCH: To see the video STI-Mulating click here
The idea for the video came after Bendigo Community Health Services sexual health nurse Mary-Anne McCluskey delivered an education session to a group of students.
“I talked about how our Clinic Central offers sexual health services that are free, confidential and non-judgemental. When I asked if they would now feel better about seeing a sexual health nurse the answer was ‘no’. They wanted to know what they would need to tell the receptionist, what the sexual health nurse would ask them and STI tests involved," Mary-Anne said.
“We needed to show young people step-by-step what an appointment with a sexual health nurse involved so we looked for someone willing to help by making a short clip to break down all the fears and misconceptions.
“We are so grateful that Conor was willing to provide his expertise and time to make this amazing production. Conor wrote the script, arranged the actors and did the filming. His professionalism was outstanding and he has an amazing career ahead of him.
“We now want to see STI-mulating used far and wide to highlight the importance of sexual health and encourage young people to get tested.”
Conor Moore has started his own filmmaking company called BottomGlassCinema and found the STI-Mulation project enormously gratifying.
“It’s allowed me to do something for the community I live in, while honing my craft,’’ he said.
“Working with the team at BCHS has been a privilege as they have shown me the value of taking an active interest in community affairs and being a part of something that raises awareness of a major issue facing my generation.”
Anyone wanting more information on STI-mulating, the BCHS sexual health clinic or to have a sexual health nurse talk at their school, business, sporting club or community group should call 5448 1600.
STI-mulating
Written and directed by Conor Moore of BottomGlassCinema
Main cast
Dominic McDonell and Alexandra Kerr
Bendigo Community Health Services sexual health nurse Mary-Anne Richardson
Crew
Director of photography: Morgan Taylor
First assistant director: Ciandra Moore
Sound: Giles Dodsworth
Make up: Alannah Moore
Grip: Tristan Gillett-Oerlemans
Learn more about writer and director Conor Moore
I am a young film maker and editor starting out on my chosen career.
After completing an advanced diploma in Screen and Media at Swinburne College of TAFE in Melbourne, I have been gaining experience and skills from multiple projects that I have been involved in.
These include several editing roles for other film makers at Footscray City Films, as well as local productions. I have also assisted in directing and producing films, writing scripts, sound and effects, lighting and continuity. I have been involved in photo shoots and video productions for the 2015 Bendigo Job Expo, and for YO Bendigo.
It was through these connections that I became involved in the Bendigo Community Health Services project.
My networks include actors, producers, lighting operators, sound technicians, specialist make-up artists and general support, as well as access to equipment, props and special effects.
Contact Conor through his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BottomGlassCinema/about/