A group of Year 10 and 11 students took part in a superb workshop at the Sky Film and Television Studios. The Sky Up workshop included the opportunity to use cutting edge digital technology to create content, take on real life media roles, engage in a careers activity to learn more about the different production roles and a behind the scenes tour of the studios. Before leaving Thornton, the students were divided into groups and took part in a Masterclass Activity where they planned their own pitch film idea. They had to think about core story ideas, characters, set up, conflict, climax, log line and title.
Once at the Elstree Studios each group was assigned production roles including Producer, Director, Camera Operator, Editor and Actors. With help from the Sky Team, they developed their pitch ideas further. Using the amazing XR Studio, they then set about recording their piece. The studio had an editing suite, two cameras, two microphones and a wardrobe facility. It was fantastic to see how quickly the students adapted to their roles and worked to record their pitches under time pressure.
Recent films recorded at the Studios include Paddington in Periu and Wicked and it was fascinating to see the spaces available and hear how production teams create hugely complicated sets. The afternoon ended with a Q and A with the Tom Avison, Sky’s Director of Operations, who also shared anecdotes of filming Top Gun and the importance of safety on set. It was a brilliant afternoon that gave students a real insight into the film and tv industry.
