Screen School students scoop Royal Television Society award

A comedy-horror film produced by students at the LJMU Screen School has been named the winner in the Comedy Entertainment category at the Royal Television Society North West Student Television Awards.

'The Trick in Trick or Treat' was produced by Media Production BA students Bradley Heath, Michael Haffenden and Ethan Woodroofe, who graduated last Summer, as their final year production project.

It tells the story of Charlie’s weird and wonderful world sculpted by his unique gift to see into the bloodied future of his trick or treaters.

The dark humour guides the viewer through his fantasy visions paying homage to the horror genre.

Michael said: “Winning felt absolutely incredible. Seeing our film come out on top over the other amazing films displayed on the night was a great feeling.

“I was intrigued by this idea that the protagonist could see the deaths of trick or treaters and thought it would make a pretty cool movie, so pitched it to the class.

“My pitch got selected as one of the films to be made and the rest as they say history!” 

The award ceremony was held at The Lowry Theatre in MediaCityUK hosted by Lucy Meacock.

The awards recognise the best audio visual work created by students from universities and colleges across the region, in genres of animation, drama, factual, news, comedy and entertainment; and short feature film.

Chair of the RTS North West Student Television Awards Richard Frediani said: “The RTS North West Student Awards showcase the talent and creativity in our universities and colleges.

“Many of our nominees will be at the heart of television and film making in the years ahead.

“There is a growing media sector in the North West and these awards play a role in highlighting just some of the talent produced by our educational establishments.”

RTS North West Chair Cat Lewis added: “The North West is the second largest cluster of Creative Industries in Europe and television production is a big part of that, so it's great to see such high standards being reached by the next generation of programme makers.”

Michael and Ethan are now both working as videographers and running their own freelance businesses. Bradley is working for Social Chain a media marketing agency in Manchester creating content for the Student Problems Facebook page, which gains millions of views every week.  

Liverpool Screen School delivers programmes within media, journalism, the performing arts and writing with active research in a range of fields, from film studies to best practice within journalism.

The school also has strong links with local, national and international media including the BBC, ITV, Trinity Mirror, Lime Pictures, Classic FM; and are involved in both Sound City, Doc/Fest and Edinburgh Fringe Festival with these partnerships offering a wealth of opportunities for both students and staff.