Alumni win first prize at Royal Television Society Awards
In a winning week for the Arts University College at Bournemouth, two BA (Hons) Animation Production graduates are celebrating after an impressive win at the Royal Television Society Southern Centre Awards.
Nick White and Emma Neesham, who graduated from the University College in 2009, were awarded first prize in the Student Animation category for their graduation film ‘Lullaby’. The film is a computer animation which tackles the sensitive issue of child abuse but, as Nick says, it ends “on a hopeful note, rather than the all too familiar doom and gloom finale”.
In a ceremony at Winchester Guildhall, the students were presented with their award by BBC South Today’s Sally Taylor and ITV Meridian Tonight’s Fred Dinenage. ‘Lullaby’ now qualifies for assessment for the National RTS Student Television Awards.
Emma commented “‘Lullaby’ was a real tem effort. Nick had the overall vision, while I worked on various tasks, including modelling and rendering. We also had the help of other Animation students at the University College.”
She added “The whole team are very pleased and honoured with this award. We would not have been able to achieve it without the University College's team ethics and the great support from the course staff.”
The annual RTS Southern Centre Awards is a significant event for media professionals in the region. Every year the media industry gathers to recognise the achievements of peers and to celebrate the growing abilities and flair of the students. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to the brilliantly diverse nature of talent in the region.
‘Train of Thought’ by Leo Bridle and Ben Thomas, another graduation film from the Arts University College at Bournemouth, was also praised at the ceremony, receiving the jury’s ‘Special Recommendation’.
Kavita Hayton, Head of the University College’s School of Media, said “We have a number of extremely talented students at the University College, who continue to push the boundaries of creativity and produce innovative, thought-provoking, and highly accomplished work. This award is a testament to the students’ achievements and a fitting culmination of their work on the Animation Production course.”
