Student film shortlisted for national television award
Two recent graduates from Southampton Solent University are flying high after being shortlisted for the Royal Television Society (RTS) Student Televisions Awards 2013, for their short film Birdman.
Sam Clarke and Matt Farrant’s stunning documentary has been nominated after it picked up the best student factual production award at the RTS Southern award ceremony held in Winchester Guildhall last February.
Matt Farrant who is currently working in London says, “I think I can safely say that both Sam and I are absolutely thrilled with the nomination. The film was a labour of love and it’s great that our work is being recognised in this way by the industry.”
Featuring Sam’s uncles Alan and Terry, Birdman weaves two compelling narratives together into a touching tale of brotherly love and Spitfires.
“It was great working with my uncles on the film. It was challenging to make, both technically and emotionally, but well worth it. They love the finished piece and wanted to watch it twice at the family premier at Alan’s house,” says Sam.
The talented duo - who both graduated with First Class honours in BA (Hons) TV and Video Production, last year – will be competing against two films from the University of Wales and Jordanstone College of Art and Design.
Chaired by PatrickYounge, founder and director of WeCreate Associates Ltd and former Chief Creative Officer for BBC Productions, the annual awards celebrate the best in student television from across the UK. The winners will be announced on Friday 16 May at the BFI.
TV Production Course Leader Stuart Ray says: "We always knew Sam and Matt had produced a really superb short documentary and we are delighted that their hard work on the project has been recognised in this way.”
As well as winning awards, Matt credits the film, which was a final-year major project at University, with giving him the confidence to pursue his ambitions: “Fired up by the great feedback we got for the film, I moved to London where I’ve worked as a camera assistant on commercials, music videos and the latest Frankenstein film, starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy. I’ve well and truly started my career."
If you see yourself making award-winning films and documentaries, it’s not too late to apply for one of our specialist television and film degrees. Visit www.solent.ac.uk/courses to find out more.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040 or press.office@solent.ac.uk
About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology. The university was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning. Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2013 poll of students. It has been awarded ‘Gold approval’ by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
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