Creative media students from Stratford-upon-Avon College have been producing film trailers for upcoming RSC productions.
As part of their media course, students were tasked by the RSC’s media and marketing teams with creating film trailers which would reflect the pre-production techniques and cinematic style employed by the company. After allowing their creative juices to flow for several weeks, they pitched their artistic visions for the proposed trailers to the RSC marketing team, before being grilled on their ideas in an intense Dragons’ Den-style presentation.
The RSC’s support for Stratford-upon-Avon College is recognised as invaluable for students aiming to work in the Arts industry.
Kris Vankay, Senior Video Technician at the RSC, worked with the students, assigning them the task, providing insights into the film-making process and giving advice on how best to present their ideas. “They really blew me away with their presentations. It was genuinely impressive. This is the third year I’ve been involved with the project and I am really pleased with how it has developed.”
The students worked to get their trailers complete in time for the premiere screening in the College’s screening theatre two weeks later, with the budding filmmakers’ achievements recognised at the awards ceremony which followed, with categories ranging from Best Original Idea to Best Lighting.
Josh Stacey, 17 from Stratford-upon-Avon, was presented with no less than four awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Trailer. Though justifiably proud of his four wins, Josh remarked: “I feel motivated to try even harder. Next time I’ll aim for five wins!” He plans to be a feature film director – “I’m passionate about the whole film-making process and sharing my vision with other people” – and judging by his recent success, he looks well on his way to fulfilling his dream.
“These are the next generation of creative people and we should support them in any way we can. And it is great for us to know that there is some serious young talent coming through locally and, likewise, I think it’s really important that the students know that there are creative companies and opportunities on their door step.”
