‘FATHER TED’ AND ‘RED DWARF’ DIRECTOR LEADS COLLEGE MASTERCLASS

Students on a media course at the Wigston Campus of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) have benefited from the insights of renowned TV director Andy De Emmony as part of a directing masterclass.

Andy has directed many high profile film and TV shows working with actors including Michael Caine, David Tennant, Julie Walters, Michael Sheen, and Ray Winstone. His notable works include ‘West is West’, ‘Four Children and It’, ‘Red Dwarf’, and ‘The Last Kingdom’. He won a BAFTA for ‘Father Ted’ and has picked up nominations for his work on ‘Spitting Image’, ‘Cutting It’, ‘The Canterbury Tales’ and ‘Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa!’ Andy is currently working on ‘The Larkins’ for ITV. 

During the masterclass, Andy directed the students, who are following a Level 3 media programme, in a scene from the ITV drama ‘Him’ during which they were required to learn a script and film their own performances. As part of this session, the students had the opportunity to ask Andy questions about his career and he was able to provide plenty of ‘behind the scenes’ insights into how the industry operates and the best way to start careers. Andy’s advice also extended to the practicalities of shooting scenes and bring scripts to life.

Andy said, “The television industry continues to expand in this new golden era of streamers, with more high-quality content than ever before. I feel it is important that we draw diverse talent and skills into the sector from across the UK. My aim is to show students the variety of jobs and opportunities that are available and the real possibilities of working in the television and film industry. It was great fun running a simple workshop with the students to demystify the process.”

Media tutor at NWSLC, Harvey Sharman-Dunn said, “We are very grateful to Andy for visiting our students as he has done on previous occasions. He has provided a useful insight into the processes involved in filmmaking from working with scripts to setting up scenes and camera shots. Andy also provided hints and tips on how to get noticed by set and production designers. He highlighted the opportunities for careers in media hubs such as London, which will soon be home to a new Amazon studio, as well as Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, and Scotland. And of course, Leicester is home to a burgeoning Cultural Quarter should students want to work closer to home.”

Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC said, “What a fantastic opportunity for our media students to find out first-hand about careers in filmmaking from such an experienced and talented director. Part of our mission at the college is to expose students to career pathways that they can follow once they have gained their qualifications, providing inspiration as well as an insight into the practicalities of working in their chosen sector.”