RTS Yorkshire Student Awards 2017

The award in the Animation Category went to Edd Benson from Sheffield Hallam University for ‘Out on a Limb’. The jury said this was a timely and thought provoking piece and they enjoyed it for its strong entertainment value. They felt the design appeared simple but communicated sophisticated emotions and exceptional delivery of character animation.

Sheffield Hallam University students also picked up the award in the Comedy & Entertainment Category. Amy Parker, Kirean Boughan, Lauren Griggs, Beth Elston and Chris Kelly received the prize for their film, ‘Tug of War’, which the jury commended for its structure of a clear set up, middle and pay off, all in the right order.

Purple Thunder Productions from York St John University was presented with the award in the Drama Category for ‘Eden’. The jury said this was an ambitious film with a real human story. They felt it was technically sophisticated and made excellent use of its resources, including excellent use of sound.

The award in the Factual Category went to Adam Marseille, Fraser Heanue and Team from The Northern Film School at Leeds Beckett University for ‘Juiced’. The jury said this film got right to the heart of the subject and was something they could easily see on television. They felt the piece had very strong storytelling and that the interviewing skills were masterful in way that can’t be taught.

Catarina Beija from The University of Sheffield was the winner in the News Category for ‘Portuguese Bullfighting: a dying tradition?’ The jury said there was superb scripting in the film right from the start. They felt it included a confident piece to camera, had good access, and showed really strong craft skills.

Callum Isaac, Jack Routledge and Dominique Scoles from University of Leeds picked up the prize in the Short Feature Category for ‘Jamie’. The jury agreed this was an emotional piece, made with a lot of love.

Chair of the Yorkshire Centre, Dr Fiona Thompson, said: “We are delighted with this year’s entries, both for their number and their quality. Our Drama and Factual categories had a record 31 entries between them so it was no surprise when our judges decided to nominate four films in each category instead of the usual three. There were a number of entries that judges felt would sit very well on the television right away. Our thanks go to the students, to our fantastic judges, and to Sheffield Hallam University and The University of Sheffield for sponsoring the event.”