35mm Project
Summer 2007 saw the launch of a unique training opportunity. Across the Academy colleges, students were asked to submit scripts in any of three genres: a five minute drama, a commercial and a music promo.
Specifically, writers were told that their scripts had to be studio-based and contain a challenging set-build. The purpose was not just to train students in 35mm production but also to present a challenge to those other students studying production design, carpentry, plastering, painting and electrics.
To help students meet this challenge, intensive courses were run by industry professionals, including:
- Production design with leading designer, Caroline Amies
- Carpentry with Pinewood construction manager, Nick Cook
- Plastering with plasterer, Andy Sandbach
- Hair & makeup with hair & makeup artist, Deb Taylor and
- A 35mm camera workshop with leading members of the Guild of British Camera Technicians.
In all, six colleges contributed to the process: London College of Communication, Ealing Institute of Media, Acton and West London College, Hammersmith and West London College, London College of Fashion and Ridgmond College in Luton.
The selected scripts were:
- ‘Boy meets Girl’ (a commercial for the Apple I-pod)
- ‘Hall of Illusions’ (a music promo for Sony/Columbia band, The Goodbooks)
- ‘Viv’, a fictional moment in the filming of Gone With the Wind.
The sets were built on the sound stages at Elstree Film Studios and equipment was sourced professionally: cameras from JDC, lighting from Panalux and grip equipment from Chapman Leonard. The students were in the front line but in each department there was an industry mentor to explain and guide.
At the end of ‘Viv’, the Academy was approached by the British Society of Cinematographers and asked if the set could be left standing for a major state-of-the-art camera test (35mm, 16mm and HD). The students were invited not just to participate but also to attend the presentation of the results at the NFT.
From the Academy’s point of view, this was perfect timing: the Academy’s purpose should be not just to replicate what has gone before but to be on the cutting edge of new thinking.
“I most enjoyed seeing the sets finished and being able to say, ‘I built that!’”
Student Carpenter
“To have the best of the British cinema industry mentoring our progress helped us achieve a quality we’d been all wishing for.”
Student Producer
“Any students who have the opportunity to have a similar experience - grab it with both hands!”
Student 1st AD
“The best use of any Skillset money ever!”
Colin Brown, UK Films Commissioner (visiting
the set of ‘Viv’)