Film – WEST | Alumni Blog

Filmmaking and Screenwriting Graduate Telling the Stories of People Living with Diabetes

26Aug

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Alumni Stories, Profiles

Filmmaking and Screenwriting Graduate Telling the Stories of People Living with Diabetes

A University of the West of Scotland alumnus is using the skills he learned in filmmaking and screenwriting to create content for Charity Diabetes Scotland, highlighting the effects on people of the lifelong condition. Andy Burton, who graduated in 2016 with a first class honours degree in Filmmaking and Screenwriting from UWS, tells us about his career journey from graduation and how he couldn’t pass up on his dream job. “I've always had a passion for storytelling,” said Andy. “Some of my fondest memories growing up involve making daft wee videos with my cousin on a Nokia 7600—no editing functions, just a stop-start recording button. A few years later, we were running around Cumbernauld Town Centre, making short films with old man masks and an entry-level DSLR.” After a couple of...

Graduate Named in the Screen 2024 Rising Stars Scotland Line-up

21Aug

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Alumni Stories

Graduate Named in the Screen 2024 Rising Stars Scotland Line-up

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has been included in the line-up of Screen Scotland’s Rising Stars talent spotlight, aiming to identify and promote the next generation of Scottish filmmakers and actors to the international industry. Writer-director Simone Smith, who graduated with a BA in Computer Animation and Digital Art, features in the ten up-and-coming actors, writers, writer-directors and producers who are on the verge of their first major professional breakthrough. Screen International's Rising Stars, in association with Screen Scotland, were unveiled at an event on Sunday 18 August at The Port of Leith Distillery during the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Simone commented: “Thank you Screen International for selecting me as a Rising Star!!! And w...

Business founded by UWS graduate wins Scottish Edge Award

29Nov

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Alumni Stories, News

Business founded by UWS graduate wins Scottish Edge Award

With many UK firms struggling to innovate against the current economic backdrop, a graduate’s business is one of 38 Scottish businesses with high-growth potential to have received a much-needed injection of cash at the 22nd round of the Scottish EDGE Awards that took place 29 November 2023. Fairouz Dridi, who graduated in 2020 from UWS Ayr campus, is founder of Screen Hustler (Glasgow) - a talent marketplace and portfolio platform for the film and TV industry – and winner of Young EDGE. Scottish EDGE was undoubtedly the most prestigious and outstanding award experience. The judges' commitment to providing detailed feedback underscores the professionalism and dedication of the competition. I'm absolutely buzzing about winning and being surrounded by champions!” Fairouz Dridi Fo...

8Jun

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Alumni Stories

Filmmaking graduates celebrating high-profile national successes

Graduates from University of the West of Scotland’s industry-renowned MA Filmmaking course are celebrating a series of high-profile national successes. Niall Morison MacRae and Tabita Knoblauch have been nominated for the Best Postgraduate Factual prize, at the Royal Television Society (RTS) Student Awards, for the documentary And So It Was. Norah Morison and Niall Morison MA Filmmaking (2022) The emotional short film tells the story of Norah Morison, in the village of Achmore on the Isle of Lewis. Norah – the longest-serving post office worker in Scottish history – reflects on what’s to come in her remaining years, following the loss of her sister. Niall said: “Both Tabita and I are honoured and a little bit shocked, if I’m honest! To be nominated for a film so personal – ...

Business founded by UWS graduate in Converge Challenge semi final

23May

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Alumni Stories

Business founded by UWS graduate in Converge Challenge semi final

A business founded by a UWS graduate has made it to the semi-finals of Converge 2023, the annual competition for innovators and entrepreneurs in Scotland’s universities. Fairouz Dridi MA Filmmaking 2020 Founded in 2023, Screen Hustler is the brainchild of UWS MA Filmmaking graduate Fairouz Dridi and was set up to offer a comprehensive suite of visual design and branding services for young creatives in the screen industry, such as filmmakers, actors, set designers, video editors, makeup artists, screenwriters and cinematographers. Fairouz who graduated in 2020 from UWS Ayr campus, said: “We are thrilled to be competing in the Create Change Challenge category and to have the opportunity to showcase our innovative solution to a wider audience. “The success of Screen Hustler wo...