Students and recent graduates from Staffordshire University make up a third of all nominees in the RTS Midlands Student Awards 2024, which recognise emerging talent from across the region.
BA (Hons) Animation graduate Leo Wright is celebrating a hattrick of nominations for films produced during his final year.
Mrs Wilkins and her Magic Handbag is based on a poem that Leo wrote in memory of his late grandfather and is shortlisted in the ‘Animation’ and ‘Craft – Writing’ categories. The animation uses cut paper and Walt Disney’s multi-plane camera technique to tell the story.
Leo’s stop-motion film No Man’s Land is also in the running for the ‘Craft - Production Design’ award. The story is inspired by Leo’s great-great uncle, who fought with the Worcester Regiment in World War One, and a dog who served as the regiment’s mascot.
The 22-year-old from Walsall said: “I am truly honoured to be considered for such prestigious awards. I wrote Mrs Wilkins for my Nan when processing the bereavement and loss of my grandfather. Rather than focussing on the fact he wasn’t here I found it so much more important to celebrate his life and legacy.
“When nominations were announced I was overjoyed to see Mrs Wilkins at the top. The happy surprise got bigger as I scrolled down the list to see I’d been nominated three times. The awards event will be a good chance to meet new people and celebrate local talent and culture.”
Darcy Wootton-Davis, a recent BA (Hons) Film Production graduate, has a trio of nominations for his documentary Never Die across the ‘Factual Short Form’, ‘Craft - Camera Work’ and ‘Craft – Editing’ categories.
The film revolves around Chris, an ex-soldier, who struggled with the aftermath of war. To reclaim his happiness, Chris reignites his love for motorbikes and embarks on a transformative journey.
Another of Darcy’s documentaries Concrete Connections delves into the underground rave scene and is also up for the ‘Factual Short Form’ gong.
The 23-year-old from Shrewsbury said: “With all the documentaries I make I want to offer an alternative perspective on subject matters that create conversation. It feels great to be nominated not only once but four times! It’s good to see the hard work me and my team have put into these projects pay off.
“I can’t wait to attend the awards ceremony and am excited to network with other like-minded individuals from other universities.”
Other nominees include Oscar Bell whose film Night Light, about young girl who is scared of the dark, is up for the ‘Drama’ award. Alethea Pedley’s experimental music video A Night of Christian Music is also shortlisted in the ‘Light Entertainment and Comedy Drama’ category.
Winners will be announced at a special event ‘Learning the Landscape’ on 17 April where nominees will hear from industry professionals and gain vital information to help them make the step from academia to the world of work.
Rachel Heeley, Head of Creative Industries at Staffordshire University, added: “We’re extremely proud of all our students and graduates who have been shortlisted for an award. To receive more nominations than any other university is a fantastic achievement, demonstrating the hard work, creativity and professional skills of students across our animation and film courses.”
Discover more about Staffordshire University’s range of creative industries degrees.