Telford students get film project opportunity

Telford College students have been given the chance to work on a short film project, thanks to a partnership with a Shropshire film company. Media and music pupils will get valuable work experience on a new production from Oswestry-based Rocking Horse Media.

The film, titled ‘Holly & Ivy’, tells the story of a twin sister who is privately battling with anxiety and self-doubt. The project, which is set to premiere next summer, will give a new generation of students a look into the film industry. A former Telford College student has already been recruited to the team.

Amber Hayden from Donnington, who graduated three years ago, will create the title song for the film. She will work with current music and media students to record the track and shoot a music video.

“I can really relate to the message in this film about a person who behaves as if everything is fine, but she is actually the one who is struggling the most,” Ms Hayden said. “The moment I heard about the story, and then visited the set to meet the girls playing the roles, the song just came.”

She suggested to the film’s director, Gareth Owain David Thomas, that the song could be recorded by current students at the college’s Wellington campus.

“My years at Telford College were genuinely some of my best in education,” she said. “They helped me develop a lot, as I began meeting new people and working with other musicians, so I have a lot to thank the college for.”

Mr Thomas said: “We are delighted to be making this happen with Amber, and working with Telford College. Hopefully this can be the kick-start for an ongoing collaboration with the college’s creative students on some of our other projects.”

A music tutor at the college, Jared Jackson, added: “This is absolutely perfect for our students, because it gives them real-life work experience in conjunction with their studies.”