Greirson Award - Preston Hartley nominated for Best Student Documentary

Following Preston's success as one of 12 young people to be mentored for DocLab, his graduation documentary film was nominated for Best Student Documentary against three others all from the National Film School. Our Y1 Leader Anne Parisio accompanied him to the Award Ceremony at the South Bank on Monday 5th November and here is her review:

"Recent DFSA graduate Preston Hartley was invited to the prestigious Grierson awards at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank on Monday 5^th November for two completely separate reasons; having already won a place on the Grierson DocLab scheme and then again because his graduation film had reached the final 4 nominations for the best student documentary.

Considered the Oscars of the documentary world and now in their 46th year, the Grierson Awards celebrate the best in documentary film-making. Winning a Grierson carries prestige and allure for factual filmmakers across the globe. (see Preston’s special mention) [https://griersontrust.org/about-us/news/2018/2018-the-final-nominations-are-announced.html] This is an incredible achievement and Preston’s nomination provides him with the perfect introduction to the professional film and TV world. It was quite a glitzy affair with all the key industry movers and shakers in attendance, including Sir Trevor McDonald who would be receiving a special award, channel commissioners, production companies, and the very best of factual programme makers and documentary directors.

By co-incidence I had worked with Preston’s Doclab mentor (Emma Hindley from Brook Lapping) during my broadcast career and so I was invited to join him for the award ceremony. Whilst we had dinner together I put in a word for the DFSA course, explaining that our multi-disciplinary and bespoke creative approach provided our graduates (like Preston) with a portfolio of skills well suited to the industry. Then it was off to the Queen Elizabeth Hall - Emma knew almost everyone there and from the minute we stepped through the door worked tirelessly to introduce Preston to contacts who might give him that important first step to establish his career as a filmmaker.

Although Preston seemed somewhat dazed by the new world he had been catapulted into, I was impressed by his networking skills and am certain both his hard work and Emma’s introductions are going to bear results very soon. 

When it was time to join the awards ceremony we were on tenterhooks – Preston’s was the only undergraduate film against 3 NFTVS MA films all produced overseas. Preston joined his DocLab colleagues and I sat with Emma and the head of Brook Lapping development. The early awards seem to favour UK subjects which made us hope Preston’s raw emotional film journey might have some sway against the glossy overseas subjects. 

The presenter said it was a close call, but in the end the judges chose a film which explored the manufacturing of fake news in Macedonia, commended for its relevance to contemporary events. We were disappointed for Preston not to gain the ultimate prize but as Emma pointed out, the expectations and pressure on the winner is immense and in many ways to be seen as someone who has potential and can be nurtured is a more attractive proposition for most potential employers.

When I left at 10.30pm Preston was still busily networking…. Well done Preston."

This achievement not only demonstrates the wonderful possibilities for all our talented and hard working students, but also reflects the expertise of our lecturers who dedicate themselves to supporting students to achieve their very best outcomes alongside tutor techs, learning support and other colleagues across the whole of UCA. We are all very excited for Preston and eager to hear news as his career progresses.