University celebrates Royal Television Society Student Awards for the North East and the Border

Students and graduates rubbed shoulders with producers and film makers at an awards ceremony at the University of Sunderland.

More than a hundred student film makers representing 46 entries were competing to win six Royal Television Society Student Awards hosted in the University’s David Puttnam Media Centre and Cinema at St. Peter’s Campus.

Lee Hall, Head of the School of Media and Creative Industries at the University, said: “There's always a risk in being a trailblazer, what with the pressure of the host and breaking new ground, but this first ever RTS NE and the Border student awards night was fabulous.

“To see a packed cinema full of future talent was a great pleasure, and we are proud that the University of Sunderland supported a night to remember. Best of luck to all the winners who now move forward to the national awards.”

Guests at the ceremony included senior figures from Fulwell Entertainment, North East Screen, Schnoobert Productions and Wildcat Films.

The night also included guest speaker and University graduate Carley Armstong whose credits include 28 Years Later and Adolescence. She’s much in demand as a script supervisor and producer and spoke to the audience about her experience and industry insights.

Graeme Thompson, who is chair of RTS Education, congratulated students on their success in reaching the shortlist: “The standard of entries this year was extremely high. And I know the judges found it hard to single out the top three in each of the six categories. So, if you’ve been nominated, you’ve done brilliantly. If you win, it’s a major achievement.”

The winners will be showcased at the North East and Border Annual TV Awards in Gateshead on February 28^th where they’ll be interviewed on stage by the BBC’s Anna Foster. Their films will also be forwarded to the National Student Awards which the RTS is staging in June.

The Results:

DRAMA

Resurge:itate Northumbria University (WINNER)

Bound by ritual, a reclusive healer - The Hermit, consumes his community’s pain, but one of their offerings forces him to regurgitate the burdens of his own past.

Baroness Northumbria University

A Period Drama about grief.

Orlok - Überbringer Der Pest University of Cumbria

A dark tale of gothic villainy set against the forests and mountains of a snow covered valley.

FACTUAL LONGFORM

Mull Man University of Cumbria (WINNER)

A film following the life of Daniel Brooks as he develops a special bond with the Otters that call the Isle of Mull their home. After experiencing a tragic loss, Daniel discovers he needs nature more than ever before.

A Game to Remember Newcastle University

A small community of passionate ice hockey players from around the North East of England reflect on mental health, fellowship, and loss, as they share a last game with their lost teammate and celebrate his passion for the sport.

Kayfabe Newcastle University

Thom, a lifelong fan of professional wrestling, leaves behind a self-destructive lifestyle to pursue his dream of stepping into the ring. Over six relentless months of training and discipline, he pushes his body and mind to the limit

ANIMATION

Blink The Northern School of Art (WINNER)

This mixed media short by Dan Michael blends 2D, 3D puppetry, claymation, live action and hand-painted/ crafted backgrounds to explore escapism and psychological tension.Animated in ToonBoom and composited live action and stop-motion elements in Premier Pro.

Oh What a Nightmare Teesside University

This film was made as a Final Year Project and aimed to have a punchline for all ages to understand. The computer animation was made using Maya and Blender.

Scribble Away Teesside University

A student in a Careers class contemplates his future and doodles away in this piece which uses hand drawn and digital animation over live action footage.

FACTUAL SHORTFORM

Caldew University of Cumbria (WINNER)

A timely environmental documentary named after the River Caldew and exploring Britain’s troubled relationship with its rivers, exploring how interfering with the course of nature often leads to harmful consequences for humans and animals alike.

Into Hibernation Newcastle University

An observational film about an elderly farmer living in rural Italy with his mother and cat.

Northern Lights Northern School of Art

A documentary shining a light on the vibrant and resilient film communities of the North East region. Blending stories from grassroots film clubs and passionate industry professionals, all of them with strong connections to this part of the world.

ENTERTAINMENT AND COMEDY DRAMA

What Now? Northumbria University (WINNER)

Is an Action Comedy in which a would-be robber has to take the place of the shopkeeper he accidentally knocks out.

Everyday Drives University of Sunderland

A factual Entertainment series that delves into the car choices and habits of daily drivers. Showcasing each car with its unique strengths, quirks, and personalities, blending an analysis with the personal opinions of the car’s owners.

No Applause University of Sunderland

In which a a vulnerable and ambitious young actress joins a prestigious theatrical boot camp where she must navigate a series of intense challenges set by the camp’s enigmatic leader.

SAVING THE PLANET

Vanishing Vipers University of Cumbria (WINNER)

This film challenges the myths and fears that have long surrounded the British Adder, revealing an animal more fragile than feared. The audience is invited to re-assess the reptile not as a threat but as a symbol of balance and resilience in Britain’s changing landscape.

What the Birds Cannot Say University of Cumbria

This films explores the impact of noise pollution on bird populations.

Using only audio recorded in the field, this short film takes viewers on a journey from a peaceful natural environment where the dawn chorus is centre stage, to a city soundscape where human noise gradually becomes the dominant voice.