Staffordshire University students stepped in to make an emotional Christmas film after the town’s light switch on was cancelled
after the town’s light switch on was cancelled.
The Town Council asked BA (Hons) Film and Media Production students to create the nearly three-minute video following the cancellation of the annual Crewe Christmas lights event due to concerns around the pandemic.
Despite the short turnaround, a team of second year students stepped up to the challenge. Paul Ottey, Course Leader for Film and Media Production, said: “It is great for students to get involved in filming projects like this while they study – working with real clients on real projects really helps them develop as filmmakers. The group took a lead role and worked closely with the council to produce a fantastic short film to help out with this year’s celebrations.”
The film sees Santa receive a letter from a child called Charlie, asking if he can make Crewe town sparkle to cheer everyone up and bring back the Christmas Spirit.
Santa calls on the town mayor to help grant Charlie’s Christmas wish and Cllr Tom Dunlop dons a high visibility jacket before connecting the plugs to turn on the town's Christmas lights. The film then ends with the pair having a well-earned drink at the Albert's Corner pub.
The film has been shared across Crewe Town Council’s social media and has been a huge hit with the public.
Cllr Dunlop said: "We hoped the video would bring a smile to people’s faces, and from the feedback we have had, it has certainly done that! It was a privilege to be involved in Making Crewe Sparkle this year.
"The film and media students were great to work with and very professional, the video will certainly contribute to their future career prospects.”