Tom Ratcliffe and Abigail Nevers have both received £250 to help finance their final year projects at Staffordshire University. The pair were chosen from six shortlisted students who pitched ideas to Stoke-on-Trent based production company Inspired Film and Video this week.
Tom, 21 from Newcastle-Under-Lyme, volunteers as a special constable with Staffordshire Police alongside his studies and his experience on the beat has had a big influence on his work on the BA (Hons) Media (Film) Production degree.
He said: “This cash injection will seriously help boost my project. It will help me get more resources like actors, set design and props to create a high-quality production.”
His film Kaleidoscope follows central character Molly, a teenage girl with a hearing impairment who is struggling with peer pressure because of social media.
“Molly struggles socially because of her condition and she struggles with her parents because she is 18 years old and wants to go out and do what she sees other girls doing on social media.” Tom explained.
“When she does get invited to a house party it’s not what Molly thought it would be. it’s a drug and alcohol fuelled event that really shocks her. Eventually, trying to be something she is not leads to a catastrophic accident.”
Abigail, 20 from Hackney, plans to make a documentary about Ayla Asim who founded London-based organisation BeYOUtiful after losing her dominant hand in an accident.
Abigail, studying BA (Hons) Advertising, Film and Music Video Production, said: “Ayla lost her self-confidence and had low self-esteem because she didn’t have the ability to do what she did before. Then she realised that her purpose in life was to empower girls to see the beauty within themselves and others.
“By telling Ayla’s story I want the audience, especially girls, to relate to her journey and see it in themselves. Having this extra money will make a massive difference. The bursary will help cover my travel to London and it means that I don’t have to limit my creativity.”
Inspired Film and Video's founding members met while studying at Staffordshire University and this is the third year that the company have awarded grants to support emerging student talent through the Staffordshire University Horizon Fund.
In addition to the two cash bursaries, they also offered feedback and mentoring support to all the students involved.
Creative Director Ryan Lloyd said: “Through these bursaries we can reward good ideas and provide budget to help students make them a reality. I was impressed by how Tom had considered telling the story from a female perspective as a male author and I think Abigail’s film will have a real impact on the girls who watch it.”
Ryan added: “It’s an exciting time for creative industries in Stoke-on-Trent and there are lots of opportunities for skilled graduates. For us, it is important to support local talent and encourage students to stay in the region when they leave university.”
Staffordshire University’s Horizon Fund provides scholarships, bursaries and opportunities for students funded by donations from alumni and the public - find more information here.