Staffs filmmaker shortlisted for national film award

A Staffordshire University film graduate has been shortlisted in the National Royal Television Society Student Awards.

Three women sit on a dimly lit film set while a camera operator works in the foreground.

Behind the scenes on Night Hopper

I'm absolutely over the moon that Night Hopper has come this far. It was a rollercoaster of a production (like most are!) but Night Hopper is only here because of teamwork.

Lauren Burnham, BA (Hons) Advertising, Film and Music Video Production graduate

BA (Hons) Advertising, Film and Music Video Production graduate Lauren Burnham won two prizes at the Midlands RTS Students Awards in March for her film Night Hopper, an atmospheric drama, explores the reality of ‘false-awakening' nightmares and sleep paralysis.

Following national judging of all regional winners, Lauren has been selected as one of just three nominees in the Undergraduate Short Form category at the national awards

Since graduating last summer, Lauren has set up  set up production company Prickly Peach Films, which specialises in promotional content from adverts to music videos.

Lauren said: "I'm absolutely over the moon that Night Hopper has come this far. It was a rollercoaster of a production (like most are!) but Night Hopper is only here because of teamwork. My crew and cast were made up of some of the most talented, passionate people and I'm lucky enough to call them my best friends."

Now in its 25th year, the RTS Student Awards celebrates the best audiovisual work created by students with an Undergraduate and Postgraduate winner both awarded in each category across Animation, Comedy & Entertainment, Drama, Factual, News and Short Form.

Across the six categories, 23 institutions’ students have received nominations and a virtual awards ceremony will be livestreamed on Friday 26 June at 2pm.

Colin Mottram, Course Leader for BA (Hons) Advertising, Film and Music Video Production, commented: “Lauren has worked tirelessly to develop an extensive filmmaking skillet during her time studying on the BA(Hons) Advertising, Film and Music Video Production course.

“Night Hopper, was a final year project where Lauren’s multidisciplinary skillset has come to the fore; directing, producing, self-shooting, editing, sound designing and creating the visual effects. This project is an excellent example of the high quality, creative moving image work that students produce on the Film and Media degree courses at Staffordshire University.

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