Four Xaverian students recently secured places on British Film Institute (BFI) residentials and programmes which took place in various cities around the UK, which only welcome 200 attendees each year.
The programmes are designed to encourage students to work alongside industry professionals to gain hands-on experience of filmmaking to help develop practical knowledge and skills in specialist areas such as documentary filmmaking and animation. Eve Tuson and Tyler Dobson attended the Art Department: Props and Sets Decoration Camp in Bristol, Owen Goyne attended the Archive and Curation Course in Sheffield and Saul Schlosberg-Dutton took part in the HOME Film Collective in Manchester.
Eve Tuson, a former pupil from Laurus Cheadle Hulme and studying A Levels in Film Studies and Fine Art, as well as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) at Xaverian, joined a Props and Sets Decoration Camp, and said: “We had to submit an art/film portfolio as well as statements about our experiences within film and what the course could mean for our hopes for the future. We were given a one-scene script and a completely empty, bare bones set that we had to design, decorate, and dress over five days in time for a scene that was going to be filmed in the space. My specific script was set in a modern children’s illustrator’s office, but others had briefs of a detective’s room, a 1960s bunker, a French prison, and more.
“During the week, we met the prop master who worked on the ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy and the 2005 film, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. It was an amazing experience and he did a full day prop workshop with us where we learned how to make a prop from casting it in a mould to ageing it so it looks film ready. We also had talks from art directors, set dressers, and storyboard artists and learned about sourcing props, making graphic props, the importance of detail and the final assembly of our painted sets.”
Tyler Dobson, former pupil of Altrincham College and studying A Levels in Film Studies, Graphic Communication and Classical Civilisation, was offered a place on the Bristol residential course. Tyler commented: “The highlight for me was listening to Wes Anderson’s Storyboard and seeing exclusive behind-the-scenes from projects he has worked on. I also just generally enjoyed walking around a huge prop house in Wales and seeing how props for shows and theatre are sourced and rented out.”
Former Chorlton High School pupil, Owen Goyne, studying A Levels in English Language & Literature, Film Studies and History, gained a place on the Archive and Curation Course in Sheffield. This course comprised numerous talks from leading practitioners who talked about their roles and jobs, pathways into respective industries, and the details of the projects they have worked on. Students also made visits to the National Science and Media Museum and Pictureville Cinema in Bradford, looking at exhibits from the history of film, and York St. John University Film Archive, where they learned how to handle and splice different formats of digital film, and how film archives are maintained.
Commenting on his experience, Owen said: “It was really great to be able to handle the different kinds of physical film, practise splicing and splitting it ourselves and to see the actual archive for ourselves. I also enjoyed being with likeminded people in my group, who I’ve stayed in touch with.
“We actually got a huge amount of information from professionals who have different specialisms within the film industry. I feel like I’ve learned a lot from all the talks about film archiving, curation and programming etc., and also the BFI has kept in contact with me and the other participants to keep us informed about future opportunities.”
Film studies Curriculum Leader, Phil Drinkwater, commented: “The film industry is growing in the UK with many production companies using the pool of skills and facilities available here for their productions. Taking part in opportunities such as these are invaluable for students to learn more about how the industry operates and make contact with professionals working in the industry. We are super proud of them – their talent and drive are so impressive, and these courses and experiences are really going to help them pursue their dreams of working in the screen industries.”
Studying A Level Film Studies at Xaverian College offers students the opportunity to explore cinema as both an art form and a powerful cultural influence. Through analysing a diverse range of films from different genres, countries and time periods, students develop critical thinking, creativity and analytical skills. The course also provides hands-on experience in filmmaking, allowing students to plan, shoot and edit their own short films. With expert teaching and access to industry-standard equipment, Film Studies at Xaverian nurtures both a deep appreciation of film and the practical skills needed for further study or careers in the creative industries. Visit www.xaverian.ac.uk to find out more.