27.03.06
Falmouth students win bursary from top UK independent TV production company

Two students on University College Falmouth's PgDip/MA Television Production course have won bursaries and a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with top UK independent TV production company, Twofour, which has studios in London and Plymouth.

Simon Hawtin and Ben Young have both received £1000 from Twofour and the enviable opportunity to get behind the camera during the Easter and summer holidays, as they join the team in Twofour's Plymouth studios. Twofour is one of the largest broadcast television and corporate communication producers in the UK and a major creative force overseas. It produces over 200 hours of broadcast programming every year for leading clients such as terrestrials BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five and Sky, and more digital channels than you could shake a boom at.

Simon and Ben are all too aware of the amazing career boost (and three meals a day opportunity) that they have secured through their successful applications for the bursary.

"The thousand pounds is obviously fantastic and means I won't starve this year," jokes Simon, "but the work placement should be much more valuable in the long term. Twofour is a massive industry name, so to get the thumbs up is really encouraging."

Simon will join the Family Forensics production team at the end of March for the first part of his work experience. The new show was first produced by the mighty Fox Television in the US but now Twofour has been commissioned to produce a new UK version presented by Love Island victor Jayne Middlemiss, for LIVINGtv. "I'm looking forward to getting a real idea of life in a professional TV environment," says Simon.

Ben on the other hand will get to enhance his experience of editing and dubbing techniques from the experts in a round the clock post production facility. "Twofour is a professional company in every respect, working on programmes for some of the most watched channels in the country," says Ben. "Being able to see how they operate will be a great learning experience."

Charles Wace, Chief Executive of Twofour is keen to emphasise that television production is not the sole province of the major media centres. "Twofour believes strongly in developing talent in the South West and absolutely in fostering our relationship with University College Falmouth," he says. "We are very keen for Falmouth's students in Television Production to know that it is possible to build a successful career here in the South West – you don't have to go to London."

And a successful career in television starts with a successful course of learning. University College Falmouth's widely acclaimed PgDip/MA in Television Production is producing a staggering number of talented students like Ben and Simon. The course provides the students with the professional, intellectual and practical skills needed for a successful career in today's television industry. Students also benefit from industry-standard facilities in the College's multi-million-pound Media Centre and expert tuition from the industry insiders who teach on the course.

The course also actively encourages students like Ben and Simon to seek as much work experience as they can, as a crucial segue into the national media industry. "This is an amazing opportunity for Simon and Ben in terms of enhancing their skills, knowledge and career potential," says PgDip/MA Television Production Course Leader, Dr Chris Truran. "Twofour is a very important player within the national media industry. We are very proud to have Twofour as a partner and very proud of our students' achievements."

Simon and Ben are committed to remaining in the South West after the completion of their MA, acknowledging the opportunities that are developing for emerging TV production talent in the area. Their time at Twofour will be a crucial launch pad. "I really hope to work as an editor and post production specialist after graduation," says Ben. "I'm sure the experience of working at Twofour will help make our transition from students to professionals all the more possible."

For further information about PgDip/MA Television Production at University College Falmouth, please contact Admissions on 01326 211077, email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or visit www.falmouth.ac.uk/television.

For further information please contact Jilly Easterby of University College Falmouth on 01326 212261 or email: jilly.easterby@falmouth.ac.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in CUC, both Phase 1 and Phase 2 through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). University College Falmouth is a partner of the CUC.

Editor's notes:

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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