Bill Vinten GTC University Award winners announced

Attached image shows Bill Vinten GTC University Award winners. From left to right, Dan OFlaherty (Runner up, UCA),Tom Read (Runner up, UCA) Vince Knight (Winner, Bournemouth University), Chris Pinnock (Lecturer, UCA) , Vice-Chancellor Dr Simon Ofield-Kerr, UCA and UCA lecturer Noski Deville.

The University for the Creative Arts won the prestigious Bill Vinten GTC University Award Trophy at an event held at the University of Yorks Heslington Studios on October 22, 2014. Bill Vinten presented the award to the Vice-Chancellor of the University for the Creative Arts, Dr Simon Ofield-Kerr who commented: "It is a great honour and a great prize. Im proud of the staff team from the School of Film and Media who have made winning this award possible for our students."

Course leader at UCA, Claire Barwell, who was at the event with lecturers Noski Deville and Chris Pinnock added: "I had not prepared a speech so I missed the opportunity to say how close the values of the GTC are to what we try to teach our students that the technical proficiency of the camera department must serve the story above all. I also particularly welcome the Bill Vinten GTC University Awards for recognising the importance of the craft skills in our teaching. Too often the reward and recognition goes to the directors and the films rather than the crew, so this award is especially important to us."

Vince Knight from Bournemouth University won the individual prize for his work on The Domestic Life of Mollusks. The judges described this as "a beautifully filmed drama with a variety of camera skills used to enhance the storyline with "a style and pace that was hypnotic". They said the results were "absolutely astonishing". Vince Knight responded: "Thank you for a great event, and what an honour it is to win the award. He will be taking work experience with the production team and crew on the BBC daytime drama Doctors.

Three of UCAs student films were in the shortlisted six, scoring more points collectively for the camerawork than the other universities that entered. The runners up, Daniel OFlaherty and Thomas Read, are both from the University for the Creative Arts. Dans film, SundayDinner with the Morgans, mixed a range of different movements into this one film seamlessly as each element fitted the storyline. One judge said: "I cant find anything to drag this film down". Toms work on Flypaper was very mature and confident with some "great handheld work and "fantastic underwater photography". Dan will also be gaining experience on the set of Doctors while Tom will work with Lion Television in the new year.

GTC Chairman Keith Massey hosted the award ceremony which was attended by GTC members, sponsors and representatives of the 11 competing universities. On hand to present the individual awards were judges GTC President Dick Hibberd, Karen Hall and Graham Reed. Judge Anna Carrington said "The quality of student work this year was fantastic; all who entered should feel very proud of their work and what they have achieved."

Producer/director Gerry Troyna gave the keynote speech about starting in television as a sound recordist with Keith Massey before progressing to a variety of jobs learning the skills required for a career in broadcasting. Gerry directed Panorama and wildlife programmes and spoke with admiration about the different qualities cameramen bring to a team and the different genres. He was asked to make a pilot for a series that became Great Railway Journeys of the World. Given the choice of his next film in the series, Gerry chose to go to India and this started a love affair with the country. He spoke of his passion for documentaries and has returned to India many times to film the people with series such as Monsoon Railway, Indian Hill Railways, and most recently Border Lines which he is completing this autumn.

Stuart Mckears, whos idea created the GTC University awards, also shared a few thoughts about the perceived decline in "creating pictures that are part of story-telling". Stuarts concerns also included the priority given to drama at universities when more employment opportunities are in factual programming.

Students and staff from the University of York recorded the event and helped with the screening and organisation, led by lecturer Patrick Titley. "It was a really useful exercise for the students to be involved in, said Patrick. "A great opportunity to work on a live event with all the pressure that involves."

Just three points separated third, fourth and fifth place. Tom McKie (The Last Fisherman, University of Lincoln), Jacob Leese (Scarlet, Staffordshire University) and Adam Grasso with SOS (for the artist Femme), UCA) missed out on the prizes but did excellent work on a trawler, experimenting with film noir and a music video making great use of smoke, slow motion and colourful images. All the shortlisted films can still be viewed on the GTC website.

About the Guild of Television Cameramen

The Guild of Television Cameramen is an independent non-profit-making international organisation that cares about television camerawork and the people who make it their craft. The GTC has over 1,000 members, in the UK, Europe, Australia, Russia, Singapore, South Africa and the USA. The majority work in aspects of television ranging from production through documentary and drama, live events, news and current affairs, sports and light entertainment, to corporate video.

Run by a council of volunteer television professionals, the GTC is financed by subscription from its members as well as sponsorship from equipment manufacturers and suppliers. As a result, the GTC offers a channel for manufacturers to consult with working cameramen when designing new equipment. GTC membership is open to anyone employed in single or multi-camera television operations or in any associated occupation.

About Bill Vinten OBE

Bill V

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