New College Lanarkshire: Film & Television

Students from Motherwell and Cumbernauld colleges cemented their place in the history books on Sunday, December 2nd, when they performed inside the famous Wallace Monument.

Thirty students from both colleges took part in the St Andrew’s Day celebrations at Stirling’s popular tourist attraction, which included a unique performance inside the monument.

The musicians, from Motherwell College’s HND Rock and Pop course, gave performances on three levels within the world-renowned monument, including in the Hall for Heroes. Cumbernauld College’s film students were on hand to record the historic event while photography students from Motherwell also captured the day.

Motherwell student Matthew McConnell, 19, from Lanark, was one of 25 college musicians taking part. He said: “To be given the opportunity to perform inside the Wallace Monument was just incredible and to know that no-one else has ever done this before was pretty special.

“We have been practising really hard to ensure we are note perfect on the day – it’s such a big occasion there is no room for error.”

Following the performance inside the monument, the official celebrations kicked off at 10.30am with four students performing a drums corp.

A selection of acoustic traditional Scottish folk music was played for the crowds on two stages, located outside the monument and at the visitors’ centres. Original songs focusing on the poetry of Robert Burns, were also written and performed by the students.

A final performance was held at the William Wallace Bar, on Aithrey Road to bring the day to a close.

Motherwell student Vickie Paxton, 20, from East Kilbride, added:

“The atmosphere was amazing and everyone had a great time. It was certainly a day to remember.”

The event was organised by Motherwell lecturer, Scott Cowie. He said:

“Taking part in the St. Andrew’s Day celebrations at the Wallace Monument was a massive honour for our ambitious students and they all worked extremely hard preparing for this gig. Not only did they gain valuable live performance experience they also benefitted from the filming of a music video inside the monument which made use of the great acoustics of this historic landmark.”

Motherwell College’s HND Rock and Pop course was recently recognised as the Best Music Course in Scotland by the Scottish New Music Awards.

Almond Valley Heritage Centre were approached and asked whether they would consider allowing HNCTV students to shoot a promotional video for their facility.  The students didn’t know the project brief until they arrived at the centre and  had to quickly work out roles within their allocated teams and assign duties in line with the task. The students responded well to the task and the centre manager was delighted with their efforts and attitude.

New College Lanarkshire HNC Film & TV students have recently completed a short promotional video for the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow.  The film focuses on the hospital’s MediCinema facility and the difference it makes to children who are receiving treatment at the hospital.

“The MediCinema is a great provision for giving the children something to do that is enjoyable and well loved and provides some distraction and respite from homesickness and illness.”

– Zoe Mair, Deputy Ward Manager, Yorkhill Hospital.

You can find out more about the MediCinema organisation at their web site:

http://www.medicinema.org.uk/

This years HNCTV Film Noir project has seen some collaboration between Film and Television students and the department of hairdressing.

To achieve an authentic film noir look, students worked together researching hair and make up styles from the 1940’s and 1950’s. Film student Danielle Campbell received a striking makeover for a role in her groups short film ‘Hidden Lies’.