Film-makers in focus at gradex 08

Two Staffordshire University film-makers are making history as part of a photographic exhibition which focuses on the role of 21st Century women.

For their final year project, Natalie O’Rourke and Libby Hill have produced a documentary about Stafford-based photographer Derek Tamea whose photographic portrait exhibition ‘Women in Focus - 10 Years On’ opens later this year.

Derek’s original exhibition was inspired by the ordination of the first woman priest, the Reverend Angela Berners-Wilson, who is interviewed as part of the documentary short film which is being judged as part of Gradex 08.

Natalie said: “Documentary making is a complex and refined art and we have worked harder than ever to make sure we get it right ­- so much so that the project has become our life in recent months.”

“It is also flattering that Derek has chosen to photograph us as female documentary makers for his exhibition which opens at Wobern Abbey in September.”

Enterprising film students Ben Macrow and Sam Ross will also be demonstrating their capabilities at the Gradex event which showcases the final year work of Staffs Uni computing, engineering and technology students.

Ben and Sam took the opportunity of their placement year to start their own business, Simile Media Solutions, which specialised in producing corporate videos and conference solutions using the University’s flagship Television Centre.

Two of their most notable commissions were an interactive dvd for a University-hosted conference about Suicide and producing a documentary using archive footage from HMS Endurance.

For their final year projects however, the pair have chosen to push their technical knowledge to its limits.

Having spent a day shadowing the lighting crew responsible for Dancing on Ice, Ben has carried out a full investigation into the use of intelligent lighting in multi-camera studio.

To complete his project, Ben organised his own X Factor type talent contest in the Television Centre and brought in an extra £55,000 of lighting equipment to create a light show around each of the performers.

Meanwhile Sam chose to develop an intuitive camera control system for television studios and theatres. Remotely controlled via joystick, the unit can be placed anywhere in the venue and give the director unique control of angles that were previously unattainable.  It is also designed to be easily programmable by the user.

“It works great and is a viable alternative to an operator climbing up to sit in a seat often in uncomfortable conditions to get the angles. The University has already purchased it as a fourth camera for use in the Television Centre.”

Gradex takes place at Staffordshire University’s Beaconside campus in Stafford this Friday April 25.