A Level Student Highly Commended at National Film Ceremony

Student Joseph Van Marle, aged 18 from Newcastle-under-Lyme, studied A Levels in Film Studies, Media Studies and Theatre Studies at Newcastle College and submitted a piece of work to the judging panel which he had completed as part of his A Level in Film Studies. The Moving Image Awards 2018 is designed in partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI) and recognises and rewards the UK's most talented young film-makers.

After receiving over 400 entries across a number of categories, judges from the Moving Image Awards deemed that Joseph’s screenplay should be ‘highly commended’, in what was a very competitive category. The screenplay, titled ‘Baggage’, was filmed and edited by Joseph and touches on themes linked to fundamental British Values. It explores the indoctrinated prejudices held by a young man, his journey on the Tube and the conclusions he jumps to when he sees a bag left alone at the station.

Joseph, who finished his A Levels last September, joined Newcastle College Curriculum Leader for Film, Verica Travar-Williams and students currently studying A Level Film Studies at the prestigious British Film Institute on Friday 7 February. The ceremony which took place at the prestigious BFI, South Bank, London was jointly organised by the examination board, WJEC and the BFI.

Said Joseph: “I’m absolutely thrilled and over the moon that my screenplay was highly commended by the awarding body, especially as the competition in the category was really high. The A Level film course at Newcastle College was challenging, but also extremely rewarding; we got to enjoy fantastic trips and visits, listen to high profile guest speakers and showcase our work at a national level. I’m hoping all of the things I’ve learned will stand me in good stead for a future career in the industry.”

Verica Travar-Williams, Curriculum Leader in A Level Film Studies at NSCG, said: “As a College, we’ve had some great success in recent years at the Moving Image Awards so it was great to be back in London at the iconic BFI to enjoy the ceremony and celebrate Joseph’s success. I’m delighted that Joseph’s creative skills have been recognised, I’m sure he has a very bright future ahead of him.”

Joseph’s recent achievement is added to a long list success stories from the Creative Arts faculty at NSCG. Two former NULC students, Patrick Taylor and Leo Robinson, both aged 23, recently celebrated after their film was selected for use at both the 2017 Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and the 2018 London Short Film Festival.

Also, Pete Bebb, who is an Oscar winning Visual Effects Artist (VFX), studied Art and Design at the College back in the early 1990’s. After completing his MA in Design at Staffordshire University, he went on to work for world famous VFX Company, Double Negative, in London as a runner and progressed within the company to reach his present role of Computer Graphics Supervisor. Since then Pete has reached the very top of his game, helping create the visual effects for numerous blockbuster movies. However it was his work on the film Inception, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Christopher Nolan, which secured him first a BAFTA, followed shortly by an Oscar for Pete and his team in 2011.

NSCG offers A Levels in a variety of creative subjects, including Art, Film Studies, Graphic Design, Media Studies, 3D Design, Photography and Theatre Studies.