‘Film School 2021’ premieres next generation of creative talent

Despite the challenges of a national lockdown, aspiring media students from Cornwall College Camborne successfully produced and showcased their film, ‘The Stash’, last week.

The comedy thriller saw actor Luke Passey, known by many as part of rap duo Hedluv and Passman, return to the Film School project, which is now in its 16^th year.

Film School, part of Cornwall College’s nationally AoC commended Creative Curriculum, sees students on the Level 3 Creative Media Production course swap the classroom for a real film studio for 10 days.

Students work alongside industry professionals, creating a film as well as organising the premiere, shooting a ‘making-of’ documentary and creating promotional materials.

They learn script writing techniques, set design and build, storyboarding, make-up, costume, location management and how to use industry-standard film making equipment, as well as directing professional actors.

Producer and writer of ‘The Stash’, Joe Blackman, 21 and former Treviglas student, was studying medicine before he decided to follow his passion for film.

“My favourite element of Film School was seeing the end result,” he explained.

“We would spend hours building a set and then to see it on the screen looking completely different – well there’s a rush to that.

“This is the most fun I’ve ever had in education and I’d love to direct my own films someday.”

Meg Adams, 19, a former Pool Academy student, directed and wrote ‘The Stash’, and said she originally envisaged creating a take on Stephen King’s novella, ‘Mr Harrigan’s Phone’.

“I’m really enjoying this course and progressed from Level 2 last year onto the Level 3,” she continued.

“The course has given me the creative freedom I have always wanted and ultimately I would love to be costume designer.”

Head of Cornwall College Camborne, Rory Mason, said the students and staff involved in the project should feel “incredibly proud”.

“Once again, our incredible students at Cornwall College have demonstrated what can be achieved when you stretch and challenge them,” he explained.

“I’d like to thank all the staff involved in making this happen, especially Becky Smith, Marc MacNab, Tobias Rossi and Mat Warner, who have created the perfect environment for students to stretch themselves in a professional, yet safe environment.

“The most special mention has to go to John Crooks, who has helped lead on Film School from the start and continues to be an absolute inspiration for our students.”

Cornwall College Camborne is part of The Cornwall College Group, which has seen significant investment and an emphasis on quality experiences and outcomes for learners under its highly experienced leadership team.