University filmmakers sweep the board at region’s ‘Student Oscars’

Recent graduates from Staffordshire University took home six out of the 10 awards, at the Royal Television Society’s Midlands Student Awards.

Winners were revealed at a glittering ceremony last week at the IET in Birmingham, hosted by Radio 1 Xtra presenter and actor Theo Johnson.

Darcy Wootton-Davis, who graduated from the BA (Hons) Film Production course last summer, scooped a hattrick of prizes for his documentary Never Die.

The short film follows former soldier Chris as he reignites his passion for motorbikes to help deal with the aftermath of war.

The film won the ‘Factual Short Form’ and ‘Craft - Camera Work’ categories as well as the prestigious ‘Sir Lenny Henry Award’, chosen by the comedian and actor himself.

The 23-year-old from Shrewsbury collected the prizes alongside course mates Callum Martin and Thomas Ellison.

Darcy said: “Attending the RTS Midlands Awards was a super special moment for me. To know that my work’s been judged, watched and selected by industry professionals really affirmed that I’m heading in the right direction,”.

“Cinematography’s my passion and to see the endless hours of work that I’ve put into the project pay off was incredible. But to top it off by winning the overall Sir Lenny Henry Award was next level."

“I’m forever grateful for the support that Staffordshire University has given me during my time at university and would like to thank everyone that encouraged and supported me along the way.”

Fellow Film Production graduates Oscar Bell, Thomas Ellison and Madeleine Reddy picked up the ‘Drama’ award for their film Night Light, about a young girl who is scared of the dark.

BA (Hons) Animation graduate Leo Wright also celebrated two wins on the night. His stop-motion film No Man’s Land set during World War One won the ‘Craft - Production Design’ award.

Mrs Wilkins and her Magic Handbag, based on a poem that Leo wrote in memory of his late grandfather, received the ‘Animation’ and ‘Craft – Writing’ prize.

Leo, 22, for Walsall, said: “I am chuffed to have won two RTS awards. It was a great event to celebrate my work and efforts.

“I was touched to hear how my films had connected with the panel. It was lovely to have felt supported by the university on this evening too. I am now in need of purchasing an alarmed trophy cabinet, with laser beam security to put them in.”

Click here to discover more about Staffordshire University’s range of creative industries degrees.