It may not be a Hollywood blockbuster but two Preston students are hoping for the red carpet treatment when their movie gets a public airing next week.
University of Central Lancashire duo Will Ormerod and James Dawson will have their short sci-fi action film, shot on a budget of just £100, screened at the New York City International Film Festival on Tuesday.
Childhood friends, Will and James produced the 22-minute long film ‘Timeline’ while they were studying on the film production course at UCLan and despite the budget it was nominated for a prestigious Royal Television Society award earlier this year and screened at the London Independent Film Festival.
The 22-year-olds did most of the of the filming on location in Preston, a lot of it on the city’s bus station.
Will and James wrote, co-directed, edited and created all of the 100+ VFX shots themselves and all actors worked for free.
Co-director Will said: “I am completely overwhelmed by the success of the film and to hear it has been accepted into the New York City International Film Festival is incredible.
“The jobs market is very difficult at the moment especially in terms of getting into the television and film industry, so I hope this will act as a shop window for James and me to showcase what we can do.”
Co-director James Dawson said: “When I heard the news I couldn’t believe it.
“It just shows that if you produce something good enough, you will get recognition for it.”
Alan Keegan, division leader for media practice and film and media at UCLan, said: “This is great news. They are two extremely talented young men who’ve produced an amazing short film on such a low budget.
“What they lacked in budget they more than made up for in talent and hard work.
“I am delighted they are getting the recognition they deserve.
“There are a lot of young talented film makers in this country and hopefully Will and James will bring some recognition internationally to that talent.”
Will and James are hoping to watch their film being screened.
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