Students inspired by talented Striped Pyjamas team
Students at York St John University were given a
master class in film making on Friday 27 January, by an illustrious
team of film production professionals.
The keen students were invited to participate
in the expert sessions delivered by distinguished and celebrated
figures from the film industry, all of whom had worked together on
the set of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.
The event was organised by the Faculty of Arts
exclusively for York St John Film & Television Production
students. It provided a unique opportunity for aspiring film-crew
professionals to receive professional advice, support and
encouragement from the stellar panel of experts on everything
relating to film production.
Sessions included an adaptation class led by
York man and York St John honorary fellow Mark Herman, the film’s
screenwriter and director. Mark shot to prominence after adapting
Little Voice, Purely Belter and, later, the
critically acclaimed Brassed Off which he also
directed.
Celebrated editor Mike Ellis delivered a
workshop with expert advice and tuition on the film editing
process. Students with a particular interest in production design
attended a session with the Oscar-winning production designer,
Martin Childs, whose credits include Shakespeare in Love,
Mrs Brown and Calendar Girls. Libbie Barr, the
film’s script supervisor (whose CV spans films including The
Commitments, Chocolat and the Harry Potter films),
offered students the opportunity to learn about script supervision,
continuity and production. In addition, students were given
training by production sound mixer, John Casali, whose career has
taken him to sets ranging from Mission: Impossible to
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
Martin Downie, Dean of Faculty of Arts at
York St John University, said:
“We are delighted to welcome this prestigious
panel of experts to York St John. Today’s sessions provide students
not only with a unique opportunity to acquire new knowledge and
understanding, but our esteemed guest speakers are also a source of
inspiration and motivation, as the leaders in their fields -
representing the pinnacle of achievement and success in this
industry.”
The Film & Television Production
department has built successful links with a wide range of external
organisations, visiting speakers and industry practitioners. This
allows students to develop their skills, knowledge and creativity,
and also provides opportunities for them to network. There are also
strong ties with the Yorkshire Centre of the Royal Television
Society, Screen Yorkshire, and with York’s independent
cinemas.
Picture shows: Mark Herman (second from left) and Martin
Downie (second from right) with Film & Television
Production students Benjamin Allen (left) and Sebastian
Synowiec (right)
For further information please contact Amy Hall,
PR & Communications Officer on T: 01904 876466
or E: a.hall@yorksj.ac.uk
