Three-minute horror film by Carlisle College students wins movie award

By John Connell

Last updated at 12:08, Tuesday, 28 February 2012

It might not have been the Oscars but for these aspiring Cumbrian filmmakers it was every bit as special.

From left, Jake Laurie, Ryan Smith, Lauren Graham and Toni Jordan

The Carlisle College students celebrated a double win for their short horror film The Shed, receiving two awards from screen legend John Hurt.

Jake Laurie, 17, Lauren Graham, 18, Toni Jordan and Ryan Smith, both 16, picked up a Golden Osprey in the under-18 category and an audience award at the Keswick Film Festival. All four are studying for a national diploma in media production.

Jake said: “Our brief was to make a horror film that was less than three minutes. It’s about an old man who has flashbacks about all the people he had murdered.

“We didn’t think we were going to win. When he announced second and third prizes we didn’t think we were going to win anything.

“It was really good to have someone as big as John Hurt present the award. He congratulated us and said ‘That’s what short films are all about’.

Ed Cooper, course leader of national diplomas in media production at Carlisle College said: “John Hurt was such a charming and engaging man. He spoke eloquently and offered lots of excellent advice for our aspiring actors and filmmakers.

“I’m certain his words will inspire the students towards achieving their dreams.

“This is is such a huge boost for the students and a well-deserved reward for some hard work.”

The comments come as Mr Hurt agreed to become the patron of the Keswick Film Festival and following the announcement of plans for a new £3m film academy to inspire the next generation of British film-makers

Watch The Shed. Article continues below...

Meanwhile, filmmaker Rhys Fullerton made it two years in a row as he was awarded the Golden Osprey for best short film at this years festival. Rhys, originally from Carlisle, wowed judges with his three minute film Birdie about a former golf champion who decides to take one last swing.

Ann Martin, film festival director, said she hoped Mr Hurt’s appointment would “open doors” in Cumbria, helping to make the festival even bigger and better in the years to come.

She said: “He was terribly gracious and said how honoured he was to be asked. I was standing at the front of the theatre and he was going to introduce this film and he said ‘By the way, I thought I would let you know that I would be delighted to become patron.’

“What patrons do first is allow us to use their name and I’m sure he will also have some views on how we can make the festival even bigger and better. He will open doors for us.”

First published at 11:29, Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

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Three-minute horror film by Carlisle College students wins movie award