Lights, Camera, Action! Collyer’s Enjoy Success at National Awards

Last week, Collyer’s students excelled at the ‘MediaMagazine’ Production Awards, bringing home prizes in three categories. The ceremony took place at the highly prestigious British Film Institute on London’s Southbank and celebrated the work of top A-level media and film students from right across the country.
Collyer's awards UGC SUS-141107-115208001Collyer's awards UGC SUS-141107-115208001
Collyer's awards UGC SUS-141107-115208001

The awards were split into three categories: ‘Sci-Fi’, ‘Music Video’ and ‘Shorts Trailers and Openings’; each was judged by highly respected professionals working in the media industry. The standard of work was incredibly high, making the event a wonderful showcase of young people’s talent and creativity from schools all over England.

Collyer’s Subject Leader for Media Studies, Jonathan Nunns, said: “I am completely blown away by the quality of all the films and videos we have seen here today. It is wonderful to know that our students’ work is on a par with the best in the country and we are hugely pleased for them. We are as proud as can be!”

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Collyer’s Assistant Principal, Steve Nicholls added: “The fact that we had three groups of students shortlisted for these national awards is a fantastic achievement in itself, so leaving with three awards in the bag really is the icing on the cake. Watch out Alfred Hitchcock!”

From left: Jonathan Nunns, Holly Stinton, Josh Spiers; James West; Zac Levin-Smith, Jack Cox, Harry Masih; Connor Little, Nev Brothers, Oscar Pancic; teachers Laura Ryan and Stuart AndrewsFrom left: Jonathan Nunns, Holly Stinton, Josh Spiers; James West; Zac Levin-Smith, Jack Cox, Harry Masih; Connor Little, Nev Brothers, Oscar Pancic; teachers Laura Ryan and Stuart Andrews
From left: Jonathan Nunns, Holly Stinton, Josh Spiers; James West; Zac Levin-Smith, Jack Cox, Harry Masih; Connor Little, Nev Brothers, Oscar Pancic; teachers Laura Ryan and Stuart Andrews

Collyer’s first successes of the day were students Connor Little, Harry Masih and Jack Cox. They were up against some extremely tough competition, yet did outstandingly well and were awarded second place in the Music Video category, judged by Music Video Director, Jake Wynne who has worked on videos for the likes of Paul Weller, Robbie Williams and Stereophonics. The video was highly praised for its use of storytelling and maturity in execution.

Jack Cox said: “I feel privileged that someone who has worked on Robbie Williams’ videos has recognised our work!”

Connor, Harry and Jack then went on to achieve further success, winning the ‘Special Award for Creativity’ presented by Jenny Grahame, editor of ‘MediaMagazine’.

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Zac Levin-Smith and Nev Brothers were the second Collyer’s victors of the awards, winning third place in the ‘Shorts, Trailers and Openings’ category, for their ‘coming-of-age’ film opening, ‘Sunday Morning’. This category was judged by Destiny Ekharaga, an independent film-maker whose films have been featured at the Times BFI London Film Festival. Their piece succeeded in impressing the judges, who commented that it is the kind of opening you would see in the cinema; it was also commended for being beautifully shot.

Holly Stinton, James West and Josh Spiers’ zombie trailer ‘Turned’ was also shortlisted in the ‘Shorts, Trailers and Openings’ category; a massive accomplishment. Judges commented that their work was extremely realistic and used incredible prosthetics.

Principal, Dr Jackie Johnston said: “These students are a credit to Collyer’s and we are tremendously proud of their achievements. They all have bright futures ahead of them in the creative arts industry and we look forward to seeing what they do next. We must of course also thank their Media and Film Studies teachers for their continuous hard work and support.”

Article and pictures contributed by Izzy Watson.