Throughout July and August 2012, a number of our students and alumni were involved in the making of a film called Through the Lens. The shoot lasted for 8 weeks and was done on an extraordinarily minimal budget by modern standards - just £13,500. All of the shooting took place in and around Cambridge, providing an excellent showcase for both the city and our students.

Charley McDougall, a recent BA (Hons) Drama and MA Contemporary Theatre graduate, took a lead role in the film, working with fellow graduates and current students of our University. He said: 'I was extremely proud of all the students and graduates we had involved. They certainly will have a place in the industry in a few years as long as they keep their enthusiasm... You need to be versatile and adapt fast, because this really is a dog eat dog industry and when you're given the chance to shine you have to take it.'

Students involved in this project included:

• Rachael Smith (BA (Hons) Film and Television Production), First Assistant Director
• Charlotte Trim (BA (Hons) Drama), Actor
• Adrian Novac (BA (Hons) Film Studies) and Jodie Taylor (BA (Hons) Film Studies), Camera Assistants
• Daryl Sharpe (BA (Hons) Drama), Make Up

These students worked incredibly hard over their summer to gain professional experience and knowledge.

Camera Assistant Jodie said of the experience: "Working on Through the Lens was a fantastic opportunity for me... I learnt so much on set; every one of the crew members was willing to help me learn. It has definitely given me a clearer idea of what to expect on a film set, and this encourages me further to gain a career in the film industry. If something like this comes up next year I would highly recommend any film students to get involved. I know I will be."

The film, tagged as 'Bourne meets Children of Men, on a micro budget', was directed by Oscar Forshaw-Swift, who is quickly becoming a name to watch in the industry.

Charley summed up the idea behind the film as: 'In a world that is increasingly reliant on social media and the importance of 'total freedom', what happens when this is all taken away from you? Through the Lens has the gritty depression of Children of Men with the fast paced intensity of The Bourne Identity. It is made completely in Cambridgeshire by a fantastic crew and professional actors. This film will put everyone involved on the map - and also Cambridge, which is the true champion, as 95% of the film is shot in and around the city.'

It's a real opportunity for our students and alumni to work with such talented industry experts beyond the walls of our University. It not only gives them valuable experience, it also contributes to the employability skills which are so vital in today's climate - particularly in such a harsh industry.

The film is now at the editing stage and distribution will be the next task. It is hoped that the film will screen in both Cambridge and London to show the work to industry professionals. Our students and graduates will be coming to a screen near you!

You can find more information about Through the Lens on Twitter and Facebook.

Please click images to enlarge.

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