The Problem with Young People

(Spoiler: it is not the young people)

We made this film because you do not have to spend long online to hear people talk about “the problem with young people”.

They say there is no ambition or discipline.
They say teenagers do not care about their future.
​They say the generation coming through has lost its sense of community.

It is easy to say these things if you never look past the headline.
Our young people live in a city where opportunity is often unevenly shared.
Doors that should open stay closed. Brilliant potential goes unseen.

But it is the story behind the stereotypes that matters, so we decided to make something simple to show that.

For every assumption, we showed the truth instead.

Young people working, studying, creating music, lifting weights, building friendships, supporting each other, and meeting positive role models.

Real lives, not lazy labels.

The twist in the film is the truth.

The problem with young people is not young people. It is the lack of opportunity that gets in the way. When someone believes in you, and stands with you, the story changes.

XLP walks with young people across London through mentoring, youth work and trusted relationships. We back their talent and their choices. We help them see a future worth aiming for and give them support to get there.

​If you want a generation ready to change the world, you must give them space to grow.

Young people are not the problem. They are the solution waiting to be backed.

These young people smile because this film was made with Media Trust Films, and funded by The Mercers’ Charitable Foundation

Director: Imogen Harrison
ECD: Marcus Ellingham
Production Company: Brother Film
EPs: Molly Bolton, Luke Ellingham
Producer: Eli Banfield
EP Media Trust Films: Ed Wise
XLP Charity Lead: Tom Pickering
DOP: Luke Dryden
1st Assistant Director: Paolo De Battista
1st AC: Jamie Lai
2nd AC: Eve Pascall

Steadicam: Marc Hill
Gaffer: DLUX
Gaffer: Johnny Boomer
Editor: Beth Roberts at Tenthree
Edit Producer: Rachel Goodger
Music & Sound Design: Hugo Ellingham at Brother Music
Colourist:  Karol Cybulski at Harbor
Colour Producer: Sarah Banks
Kit:  Emmyland

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