Film, TV and Theatre degree students bring community film Lucky Penny to life
Two final-year BA (Hons) Film, TV and Theatre Production students from The Northern School of Art, Stuart Hunter and Max Ferguson, are celebrating the success of Lucky Penny – the debut film from Hartlepool-based filmmaker’s collective In The Frame (ITF).
The community-driven short film has captivated local audiences and is now making waves on the regional film festival circuit with a nomination for the 2025 Tees Valley International Film Festival Parmo D’Or Award for Best North East Film.
Ferryhill-based filmmaker Stuart Hunter, pictured with Vice President and Co-Founder of (ITF) Alice Pargiter, who progressed onto the School’s Hartlepool-based degree course after completing the Access to HE course at the Middlesbrough campus, served as executive producer on Lucky Penny, which was the first production from In The Frame (ITF) – a creative collective that champions inclusivity and collaboration in the North East’s screen sector.
“It was due to endless demand from our creative community that In The Frame produced a community-centric production,” explained Stuart, who is also President of ITF. “We wanted to meet the request to make a film but also fulfil the collective’s aims of supporting regional learning and creative expression.”
The project brought together both seasoned creatives and emerging talent, offering opportunities for anyone interested in film to gain hands-on experience, regardless of their background or previous involvement in the industry.
At the heart of Lucky Penny lies a script written by fellow Northern School of Art Film, TV & Theatre final year student Max Ferguson from Chester-le-Street. Max’s script was chosen from a range of submissions by a panel of judges for its creativity and achievability as the collective’s debut production.
“I decided to submit my film to In The Frame because it seemed like such a good opportunity,” Max, pictured, explained. “I had many film ideas, so being able to write a script and get it made by industry professionals was a dream come true.”
The inspiration for Lucky Penny came from an everyday moment that sparked a bigger idea.
“The idea came from me finding a lucky penny on the ground and basically forming a story from that, with a fun twist at the end,” Max said. “Being on set and seeing the film get made, and then seeing the final outcome, was an amazing experience and definitely the coolest thing I’ve been a part of in my film career so far.”
Stuart added: “By blending mentorship and hands-on involvement, In The Frame created an inclusive environment that supports regional learning and creative expression. Max’s script captured that vision perfectly – it was relatable, achievable, and full of heart.”
The red carpet premiere for Lucky Penny took place in September at Vue Cinema in Hartlepool, offering free access to the public and bringing together local creatives, organisations, and residents in celebration of the region’s growing creative screen industry.
“The film was really well-received,” Stuart said. “It was inspiring to see the community come together and for our cast and crew to experience their work on the big screen.”
Lucky Penny continues to attract attention across the region, with a screening set for the Tees Valley International Film Festival on Friday 7 November at ARC Stockton. It will also feature in the Hartlepool Wintertide Festival from 21–23 November.
Reflecting on how their studies at The Northern School of Art supported the project, both students credit the School’s collaborative environment and industry connections.
“As a mature student, I had a lot of existing skills, but it was through the connections made at the School and the support of the staff that helped make Lucky Penny a success,” said Stuart. “Taking on producer roles throughout my degree kept my skills sharp and relevant.”
Max added: “I’d advise any aspiring writers to take every opportunity that comes by, because you never know what may come from it.”
For future creatives considering studying at The Northern School of Art, Stuart encourages students to make the most of every opportunity: “Find local groups linked to your subject, whether that’s university societies or community events like In The Frame,” he said. “Expand your network, talk to students from other courses, and get involved wherever you can — that’s where real growth happens.”
Further information about In The Frame (ITF) is available at the following links:
- ITF website: https://www.intheframene.co.uk
- ITF Instagram: https://instagram.com/intheframe.ne
- ITF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheFrameNE
- ITF LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intheframene/
To find out more about Lucky Penny head to the film’s Instagram @luckypennyshortfilm
Max Ferguson’s YouTube channel is at @ermffilms
The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Film and TV degree programme teaches the art of scriptwriting, directing, and producing for both stage and screen. Students on this collaborative and practice-based course, develop a range of sought-after practical skills such as camera, sound, post-production and stage management, lighting and sound for both stage and screen. This approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the growing sectors of stage and screen. Further information is available HERE
