Young British talent shines at Oscars
With Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne receiving a plethora of recognition for their films The Imitation Game and The Theory of Everything respectively, let's save some applause for National Film and Television School (NFTS) student filmmakers, Chris Hees and Daisy Jacobs - two other British stars who have been nominated for an Oscar.Â
What began as an animated graduation film has turned into an overnight success, with the pair set to attend the star-studded ceremony on Sunday 22 February to await the fate of their animated film The Bigger Picture - nominated for best animated short. In the UK the two have already won a BAFTA for their project.
Their film was produced and directed at the NFTS facilities and portrays two-metre painted characters travelling through full-size sets, telling the story of two brothers trying to cope with the care of their elderly mother.
Hees said: "When The Bigger Picture was chosen to screen at our graduation ceremony we were excited enough. To start the year with a BAFTA win and now to be in the running for an Oscar too, it's just incredible and totally surreal."
The new filmmaker was on the end of a bursary from Creative England that allowed him to attend the NFTS. The funding programme helps support talented people in the film, TV, games and digital media industries.
Hailing the initiative, Nik Powell, director of the NFTS said: "Chris and Daisy have made an excellent film and it's brilliant that it has been recognised by the Academy. Without Creative England's support, Chris would not have been able to come to the NFTS. It's truly life-changing."
Hees and Jacobs ended up being runners-up to Disney produced Feast by Patrick Osborne. Nevertheless, it's an incredible feat for two students to win a BAFTA, and be nominated for an Academy Award, from a graduation film.
*This article was changed on Monday 23 2015 to reflect the outcome of the Oscars.Â
Also on The Knowledge
MPTS 2024 – a Production preview, Part Two
As the Media Production & Technology Show approaches, we bring you a round-up of some of the Production-themed sessions on Day Two of this major event. Don’t miss out on hearing all that these industry experts have to say; register now!
Creative UK launches manifesto for change
Creative UK has launched a manifesto calling for radical action across the creative and cultural industries.
MPTS 2024 – a Production preview
As the Media Production & Technology Show approaches, we bring you a preview of some of the Production-themed sessions on Day One. Don’t miss out on hearing all that these industry experts have to say; register now!
S4C generates £136m for the Welsh economy
A new report reveals that S4C has generated £136m for the Welsh economy and created 1,900 jobs.
MPTS is just around the corner!
The Media Production & Technology Show (MPTS) is just around the corner - bigger and better than ever!
ITV reveals diversity spend
As part of its Social Purpose Impact Report for 2023, ITV has revealed its spend on driving change towards racial and disability equality.
