Students win at Royal Television Society awards

Students from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) have won three categories at the national RTS Student Television Awards 2024, sponsored by 4Skills – Channel 4’s nationwide training and development strategy.

The RTS announced the winners in London on Friday 21 June, at a prestigious awards ceremony hosted by rapper, author and broadcaster Guvna B.

The event is an annual celebration, showcasing the talent, potential and enthusiasm of students across the UK, identifying exceptional skills and craftsmanship.

This year over 650 films from scores of institutions were considered. In 2024 the UWE Bristol screen industry programmes of Filmmaking, Animation and MA Wildlife received a total of seven nominations, winning three categories.

Best Undergraduate Drama - Corinna Elleschild, Ellis Cate, Louis Barron-Forde, Charlie Guy-Jones and team for ‘Skive’.

The judges commented: “The winning film impressed the panel with its authentic and relatable story, told with an irresistible life force, wit and energy. Brilliantly dynamic use of camera, interesting framing and sophisticated yet simple lighting brought the drama to life. Clever visual storytelling, music and humour augmented the piece; really highlighting the feel of the film's world and the aspirations and frustrations of the lead characters.”

Best Postgraduate Documentary Short Form - Sara Pipernos, Mikey Sneddon and Nyal Mueenuddin for ‘Death at Sea’.

The judges commented: “Genuinely eye-opening, powerful and important original journalism with purpose. This was a story sensitively told with strong access, opening a window into an unknown world. The film maker shone a light on a massive injustice which resulted in an accomplished and emotional film.”

Best Postgraduate Saving the Planet - Alexander Crisp for ‘Cowboys vs Prairie Dogs’.

The judges commented: “A deftly made film that moves assuredly between light and dark tones, with excellent access and impressive camerawork.”

In addition, animator Michael Blake won the Individual Craft Award - Best Undergraduate Editing for ‘Doggerland’.

John Podpadec, Senior Lecturer in Filmmaking at UWE Bristol, said: “For UWE Bristol screen industries to have been nominated with seven films across Animation, Filmmaking and MA Wildlife Filmmaking is excellent news, but to have won three is simply outstanding. In Filmmaking, huge congratulations especially go to Corinna Elleschild and Ellis Cate and their team for winning Best Undergraduate Drama for the breathtakingly beautiful film Skive, which was so richly deserved.”

Sinéad Rocks, Managing Director, Nations and Regions at Channel 4 and Chair of the RTS Student Television Awards, added: “The RTS Student Television Awards are a brilliant opportunity to recognise the next generation of industry entrants at the top of their games, who are creating dynamic, skilled films and soon to be transforming the screen industries. As we celebrate our winners and nominees, it is a reminder of the value of creating content and its ability to evoke conversation and change. We are now looking forward to receiving submissions for the RTS Student Television Awards 2025.”