Lights, camera, action for talented local film student

Carey Poole, studying Digital Post Production (film editing and special effects), scooped 2 prizes in addition to his ‘Distinction’ grade on his Foundation Degree course at Brighton University.

To his surprise, he discovered that he had won the award for the highest marked final project of any foundation degree course, along with the award for the best final film for any media related course at the university. His tutor, Mark Soy, entered Carey’s film, ‘Origin Story’, into the competition without telling him. Not only did it win, but it was a unanimous decision by the judges.

Carey said: “As far as I was concerned, I’d just submitted some coursework, granted, it was coursework I’d poured my heart and hours into, but that was all. So when my lecturer mentioned I’d been entered and won my category of the Brighton Big Screen Competition, I was flabbergasted.”

As a result, the film was shown at big screen cinemas in Eastbourne and Bournemouth. The 6 minute film, which was made with no budget, revolves around a young man, gifted with powers from ‘beyond our world’, who has to work out what to do with them.

The film has incredible special effects and a great human story with performances from a cast of talented local amateurs and ex-professional actors.

Unfortunately Carey said he was unable to go to the screenings but said the idea that his work was being displayed to the public as part of a showcase was “amazing”, adding: “Combine that with the fact the same film subsequently won the award for Highest Marks for an FdA Final Project at my graduation - I’ve been having a blast!”

Carey continues his film studies at Ravensbourne College, London, in September and says his recent success is a great start. “This is an incredible confidence boost, setting me with my best foot forward for starting at Ravensbourne. I’ll be studying there for two years with a view to upgrading my current distinction FdA to a full BA, as well as trying to get my foot in the door for jobs in the industry.”

“Needless to say, I’m already working on the concepts for an Origin Story sequel in my spare time. Just in case!”

‘Origin Story’ can be seen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2t5FM-LgZI