Arts students enjoy screening and Q&A with film company founders

Two of the founders of the company Mad as Birds Films, actor-writer Celyn Jones and producer Andy Evans, spoke to students and staff following the screening of their Oscar long-listed debut feature.

The film tells the story of the earth-shattering time John Malcom Brinnin (played by Elijah Wood) met Dylan Thomas (played by Celyn) on one of the fiery poet’s speaking tours to the United States.

After the film, Celyn and Andy answered questions from students about the film’s production, making a low budget feature film and how they got a major Hollywood star involved.

Although Set Fire to the Stars is their first feature, both Celyn and Andy have had long careers in film and television. Celyn’s other acting credits include Shackleton, Torchwood, Shameless, Inspector George Gently, Da Vinci’s Demons, and Jo. Prior to his work as a producer, Andy ran a major post-production facility in London, and has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including U2, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and David Gilmour. The film was co-written and directed by Andy Goddard, an experienced television director whose credits include Doctor Who, Torchwood and Downton Abbey.

The students benefitted from the opportunity to talk with and ask questions directly of Celyn and Andy, who remained for an hour after the end of the Q&A, talking with students and posing for pictures. Liam Taylor-Rutterford, a second year Film and Television Production student said it was an “incredible evening,” while Amy McCarthy, second year English Literature student, called the event “amazing.” Other students also echoed the positive feedback, commenting on how “inspiring” and “insightful” the event had been.

Dr Steve Rawle, Associate Professor in Film and Television Production, said: “It was wonderful to welcome Celyn and Andy to York St John to talk to our students. Their comments reinforced many of the messages we promote on the programme. Engaging with industry is central to what we do in our programme, and we’re lucky to have companies of the calibre of Mad as Birds on our doorstep as part of a thriving media production culture in York.”