18-year-old Rory Hoy got a Special Mention in the UNICEF UK Awards at the Showcomotion Film Festival this summer for his groundbreaking film ‘Autism & Me’. Rory himself is autistic and his film shows us life through his eyes. Here he talks to us about what inspired him, and how you can get started making your own film.

What inspired you to make this film and why did you choose the subject of autism?

I’ve had an idea for a long time to make a film about autism. There are so many heavy books written about the subject and I wanted to do something that was easy to understand in simple terms that children could also watch and relate to. Also, it’s a subject I feel I know a lot about!

What do you think your next film will be about?

I’ve made over 30 short films and I never know what the next one will be about. I have to confess, I enjoy making films that make people laugh and also making ‘mockumentaries’

Why do you think young people’s voices are important in the media?

Because children are the future. They understand a lot more than people think, and they will grow to become our next generation, so it’s important that their voices are heard now, for a better future.

What made you feel that making a film was possible on your own?

As mentioned, I’ve made over 30 short films on my own and started in 2002. I like working on my own as I feel I have control, but there are some aspects I’m better at than others. For instance, I’m great at editing but not so good at the camera work! But I learn new techniques all the time.

What is missing on TV and in the cinema these days? What would you like to see more of?

I actually think the cinema is good these days. There are a lot of good films out there. I don’t watch masses of TV (apart from ‘The Simpsons’!) so I can’t really say what’s missing. I tend to look at the internet more.

Do you think TV should teach people or entertain people?

I think a bit of both. TV is a great learning tool if used properly, as so many people watch it. But people would get bored with ‘wall to wall’ learning, so it has to be presented in a way that’s entertaining as well. I know I have a short attention span with things I’m really not interested in, so I would have to find it entertaining to watch a programme all the way through.

What do you think you might be able to change through making good films?

I hope my film ‘Autism & Me’ will change the way people look at autism. I’ve tried to make it entertaining and funny as well as thoughtful. I think if people can go away after watching it believing it has changed something in the way they think, that’s a good thing.

What would you say to other young people who want to make a film?

I would say - do it! It’s a great way to get a belief, statement, feeling across to a wider audience.

How would you recommend they get started?

I got started a bit by accident! I just filmed a family wedding, then put it onto the computer, changed things round a bit and added graphics and sounds, then made my first short film. If a group of people get together, they can all pool ideas and expertise, some may be good at one thing and others may be good at another. You can always get a teacher to help as well, or a mentor.

If you could choose anyone in the world, who would you like to work with to make another film?

I would like to work with Billie Piper (I like her a lot!!) and Christian Bale (best Batman ever!). In terms of Directors it would have to be Tim Burton, as I love his films. If it was an animation it would have to be Studio Ghibli (the people who did the anime ‘Spirited Away’).

You can see a cut-down version of ‘Autism & Me’ on YouTube. The full version and accompanying booklet, written by Rory himself, are available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Get film-making tips and upload your finished piece on the BBC Blast website.

For more information about the UNICEF UK Youth Awards and the film entries, visit the Showcomotion website.