Filmmakers from Staffordshire University are celebrating after winning half the prizes at the Royal Television Society’s Midlands Student Awards
To win two years running is unbelievable to me! Just to be nominated for a second year was amazing but to win - wow! I really am over the moon.
Winners were announced in a virtual ceremony last Thursday and Staffordshire University scooped four out of the eight awards on offer – more than any other institution in the competition.
Recent graduates Georgia Taylor and Thomas Read both did the double and took home two awards each.
Georgia, who studied Media (Film) Production, was praised for her film Callie which won in the ‘Scripted’ and ‘Craft Skills - Writing’ categories. It is the second year running that Georgia has excelled in the competition after earning two awards for her film One-Eighty last year.
The 22-year-old said: “To win two years running is unbelievable to me! Just to be nominated for a second year was amazing but to win - wow! I really am over the moon.”
Shot in Georgia's hometown of Bury, coming-of-age film Callie tells the story of a young woman who learns to welcome change rather than fear it, with the help of a wiser than her years little girl.
“Callie for me is all about when you reach a big changing point in your life. It’s also about letting go of your childhood in order to move onto the next chapter of your life but still holding it dear to your heart. Basically, it’s about living life to the full and really taking the bull by the horns, life’s too short not to.”
After graduating last summer, Georgia now works at a production company in Manchester. She said: “I love coming to work every day. I definitely think my course equipped me really well to enter the industry with confidence and skills in multiple areas which I’ve definitely found I need in my role.”
Fellow winner Thomas, who studied Digital Film and Post Production, triumphed in the ‘Non Scripted’ category for his film Living Off Grid, which takes a look at life inside Pembrokeshire eco community Brithdir Mawr. Comedian and guest judge Lenny Henry described it as “a really beautiful, effectual documentary-style film”.
Thomas was also recognised alongside course mates Natalie Argent and Tom Connor in the ‘Craft Skills – Camera’ category for a music video made for Brixton-based rapper and singer Bushrod’s single Lowkey.
Thomas said: "Having people judge my work and give me positive feedback is a real confidence booster. Winning two RTS awards is definitely one of my greatest accomplishments within film.
"Throughout my three years at Staffs, I've had continuous support from the lecturers on my course. They really helped me develop my skills, encourage me to take risks and have given me confidence to pursue a career in film."
Colin Mottram, Senior Lecturer in Film Production, added: “We're really proud of the students’ success at the 2021 RTS Midlands award. Collecting four awards from the eight categories is an incredible achievement and testament to the resilience, adaptability, hard work and creativity the students have shown in a year like no other.
“Winning awards across such a range of categories highlights the rounded approach students take to their studies on the Film and Media courses here at Staffordshire University.”
See the full list of RTS Mildands Awards winners or watch back the ceremony.
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