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.