Congratulations to Silver Award winners for this year’s Norman Austick Award for Outstanding Commitment, Nathan Scott and Jemima Worrall. This new award for 2026 is presented to students on our BA (Hons) Modelmaking & Visual FX programme and BA (Hons) Production Design programme. The award is named after and presented by Lecturer Norman Austick, who worked as a lecturer on the programme for 32 years.
Nathan Scott, 20 years old, from Newcastle, who won silver place for Model Making, said, “When I won the award, I felt a mix of emotions. I was surprised that I won, due to the immense amount of talent amongst my peers. And I was also relieved, knowing the last 6 months of work I have put into this project has paid off.”
Winner for Production Design, Jemima, 20, from Frodsham in Cheshire, said, “I was shocked and very happy! I was absolutely honoured that Norman Austick (past Production Design lecturer) liked my project and the work I have done this year. It was a pleasure to receive this award alongside my classmate and friend Phoebe Lynch, who won the gold award in commitment to the course.”
Nathan’s project is a “giant-scale model of a floating island with a derelict city, populated by skeletons, inspired by my favourite music video, “Nobody” by Avenged Sevenfold, and favourite piece, “Thoughts for the Free Life” by Wes Lang.”
Reflecting on the course, Nathan said, “My course has been absolutely fantastic, I have learned so many new skills and techniques that will help me in future career possibilities.” and that his advice for students is to, “Never skip out on trips to places in the industry, you can learn a lot and it can even alter your career ambition like it did with me. My top tip for living in Hartlepool is to surround yourself with a good group of people, so you always have the opportunity to go out and have a break from coursework.”
Reflecting on the course, Jemima, whose FMP was a stop-motion music video created in collaboration with local Hartlepool band Lurcher (watch here), said, “Studying this course has provided me with countless skills which I will take with me into my career in the art department in film & TV, there’s just too many, I can’t pick one!”
Thinking about advice for students, she commented, “For any students starting on Production Design, please have the most fun with your projects, make as much use as possible of all the equipment & software provided by the school, and learn every skill you possibly can! The best thing about living in Hartlepool is being by the sea – make the most of those beach walks, they’re so good for your mental health! The community surrounding the arts and music in town is excellent, make sure to network outside of your classmates!”
When asked what her favourite memory at the school was, Jemima said, “Some of the best times we’ve had have been at the formal balls put on by the SU and certain courses as fundraisers! These were a great chance to unwind after long semesters and socialise with everyone on other courses!”
“My favourite memory of my time at this school? It’s honestly hard to pick just one,” said Nathan. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 3 years. I have met some amazing people.”
Keep up to date with Jemima’s and Nathan’s work on Instagram: @nss_arts_and_designs, @jemimajodesign & @jemimajo1.
If you are interested in a career in film, TV or theatre, make sure you check out our fantastic Stage & Screen programmes, which offer skills across costume, acting, film production, model making, set design, visual effects and more. Course information can be found here.