Edinburgh College Breeds BAFTA Success

Two former Edinburgh College students have proved they are the cream of the film making crop at the prestigious British Academy of Film and Television Arts New Talent awards.

Garry Fraser took home the top gong in the factual film category for his acclaimed autobiographical short Everybody’s Child, which details the hardships of growing up with a life of drugs and crime in Scotland through the gritty lens of reality.

Fellow student John Campbell was also celebrating after learning the lead actress in his film Aurora, Sophie Gane was nominated in the category Best Acting Performance, for her performance as Bailie, one of only two survivors on a mission to reach Earth to save the human race.

John, now 27, first attended Edinburgh College at the age of 18 to study NC in Dramatic Arts and returned in 2010 to begin a HND course in Creative Industries: Television.

When asked about the nomination John said:  “Although it’s disappointing not to win the BAFTA, the fact that we were nominated is a fantastic honour in itself and I am delighted that my film has gained the recognition it has.

“I have to attribute some of this success to Edinburgh College who provided unique opportunities for me to gain vital practical experience. Aurora was actually made for my final end of year project in 2012, so with out support from the college and lecturers I wouldn’t have had the idea let alone be able to make the film.

“In particular I would like to thank my lecturer, Fraser Mansell, who provided an abundance of inspiration and motivation not to mention reminded me about the awards and encouraged me to enter.”

Aurora which was filmed in just over 24 hours and made with virtually no budget indicates the skill of John as a writer, actor, producer and director. Aurora won the Audience Award for Best Film at Edinburgh College’s degree show last year and in 2011 John also picked up the Best Film award for his first year project film entitled, Claire.

The film, set in space, tells the story of a fleet of 50 transports that are travelling back to Earth with a life saving vaccine. Aurora stars Sophie Gane and John Campbell as Bailie and Sam, crew members of the cargo ship, the USCSS Aurora. The Aurora is the last one and the last chance but when tragedy hits the ship, it’s not a question of when they’ll make it back to earth, but if they’ll make it back at all.

An Edinburgh College representative said: “We were delighted to hear of Aurora’s nomination and although the guys did not come away with the top award, the sheer fact that their talent has been recognised is reward enough in itself.

“John and the team did a fantastic job on the film, creating something which was both professional and very real at the same time. Directing can be a tricky job, as you have to communicate and work closely with your actors to get the possible performance and through Aurora John certainly does that.

“Visually, it is a very striking film, set in the future and in space, with a vast amount of special effects needed to realize it.

“Along with the staff and students at Edinburgh College, I would like to congratulate John on his nomination and of course Garry Fraser for his award win and hope that these are the first of many bright new talents to come out of Edinburgh College.”

The HND Creative Industries Television course is a 2 year course designed to develop the technical, practical and critical skills required by the film and television industries. Students on the course develop a broad range of skills from directing, lighting and camerawork to editing and post production.

More information the Creative Industries course and all other courses at Edinburgh College can be found at www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk

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