Students at The Manchester College win Virgin Media Shorts grand prize

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A film produced by students at The Manchester College has won first place in the Virgin Media Shorts competition. 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' actor, John Hurt, said the film, '2:20', was 'beautifully realised'. The grand prize was £30K towards production of another film. '2:20', directed by Jason Wingard, will be shown in independent cinemas nationwide.

Virgin Media Shorts is the UK’s biggest short film competition. It aims to recognise emerging talent and give filmmakers a chance to break into the industry.

2:20 is a thriller about a man living on borrowed time and features impressive special effects on a shoestring budget. The film was directed by Manchester director, Jason Wingard. The lead actors were Brad Roberts and Christine Dalby. The students on the crew were:

Lucy Lincoln – producer
Amy McIntyre – script supervisor
Rhiannon Clifford – art director
Tom Crowe – grip

Amy, Rhiannon and Tom are studying on the Foundation Degree in TV and Film Production at The Manchester College. Lucy, a graduate of the foundation degree, is studying on the BA Creative Media and Visual Communication at the college.

The award was presented at a ceremony at London’s BFI Southbank.

John Hurt was on the judging panel, and was impressed by 2:20. He said: ‘I’ve always been a huge advocate of independent film. The breadth of talent displayed in this year’s entrants was extraordinary which made it a very difficult but enjoyable task judging the entrants. 2:20 is a neat idea, beautifully realised.’

I couldn’t believe it when John Hurt read out the winning film. The crew went crazy.

Lucy Lincoln said: ‘I couldn’t believe it when John Hurt read out the winning film. The crew went crazy. The film was a night shoot over three nights and everyone worked hard to make it what it was.’

Jim Grainger, course leader at the college, said: ‘These students have distinguished themselves after only two years at The Manchester College. They’ve engaged with professionals and have worked very hard, displaying a level of ability, determination and independence which is essential for success in this industry.’

You can watch 2:20 on the Virgin Media Shorts website.

What next? Could your films win prizes? Find out about the Foundation Degree in TV and Film Production at The Manchester College.