Student filmmakers at Staffordshire University have been given a cash boost from local company Popcorn Learning Media
It is great having the extra boost to try new things that we haven’t done before. Especially being in our final year – it’s last the opportunity to push the boundaries.
The creative agency, based at Spode Works, offered BA (Hons) Film Production the chance to win funding in a Dragon’s Dens style pitch.
After 14 students presented film ideas to the panel, three winners were chosen to receive a £250 bursary to support their final year projects.
“My whole team are graduates from Staffs Uni and we think it’s really important to support new talent and get people involved in creative jobs in the area,” explained Glyn Chapman, Head of Video Production.
“The highlight has been seeing the enthusiasm of the students about their ideas and what they want to create,” added Videographer Sam Wood. “It’s about supporting the future of the industry and getting students ready to hit the ground running as they start their careers.”
Tom Stebbings successfully pitched his documentary about Manchester-based band Millie Milner and the Deadnames which explores the queer music scene.
“It’s a little overwhelming and a very, very nice feeling,” he commented. “The bursary will go towards travel but also making the experience as professional as possible working with the band.”
Fellow winner Eles Gapelbe Santander, who is making a film about racing drivers, said: “It’s really exciting! It is great having the extra boost to try new things that we haven’t done before. Especially being in our final year – it’s last the opportunity to push the boundaries.
“It is a high energy, kinetic film and the bursary will really help to raise the production quality. I can now afford specialist equipment to get shots of the moving cars at a professional standard that wouldn’t have been available before.”
Final winner Kyle Adams is making a documentary about a wrestling community in his hometown of Northampton. He said: “It feels great having the opportunity to get a bit of money to support my project. It will really help with paying for accommodation, travel costs, getting the crew down there.”
The bursaries were made available through Staffordshire University’s Horizon Fund which provides scholarships, bursaries and opportunities for students funded by donations from alumni and the public.
Find out how you can support the Horizon Fund and make a donation at https://giving.staffs.ac.uk/.