UAL Extended Diploma in Film & TV Production student Owen Snell will showcase his first-year FMP film, a documentary on “North-East coffee culture” at the Tees Valley International Film Festival 2024! Based in the ARC Stockton Arts Centre, the Tees Valley International Film Festival includes a gala of screenings featuring major feature films, live audience Q&A’s and a number of workshops and seminars lead by industry professionals.

The festival invites submissions from “undiscovered and independent filmmakers” to be included in the festival. As well as exposure, entrants are also considered for prizes in a closing award ceremony. We caught up with Owen to find out more about his submission to this years festival, read on to find out more.

Your work will be screened at TVIFF this year, how did it come about?

I had felt confident enough that my film would be good enough for the festival and it was really just a shot in the dark. I wanted it to be shown but I had some doubt as everyone does. when I got selected I was over the moon and I didn’t know what to do with myself. The first person I told was my mum then the news just slowly spread from there. It was the day after when I added the official selection to my film poster and announced on instagram that I had been selected.

Tell us about your film!

A bit about my film. It is a short documentary about coffee within the North-East and how a drink can bring community and life to the area. I visited a local coffee roaster and talked with a couple cafes capturing what it means to be part of this community and do what they do best. I made it as I like to follow things I am interested in and I felt like I could really make this idea, as coffee is a drink that I love, and I really wanted to learn more about it doing this film.

Some challenges I had with the film where getting out to all the places with all the equipment as I tried to make something very high-production which meant that I used the best kit which I could get. Moreover I had a vague idea for the story but didn’t really know how it was going to piece together. In the end and I am so thankful for the people around me who watched the film over and over as I worked out what I was doing with it.

I don’t know exactly when my film will be screened, however, I will be at the Arc in Stockton on November 6th and at the event the whole time talking about my film and networking with everyone there!

You study UAL Extended Diploma in Film & TV Production, why did you choose the course and how have you found the experience so far?

I chose this course as I have always been interested in the behind the scenes of how films are made and how everything works, so when I saw the course it was a no brainer. My love for cameras and film-making can really shine and has been developed greatly on the course. I love every second of the course and I would chose it again as I think there is no better place for young film makers.

What’s special about studying at The Northern School of Art?

Studying at The Northern School of Art I have found myself really embracing myself and becoming who I want to be. It has an amazing atmosphere and everyone wants you to do your best even if it takes you all year. I have met some of the best people in the world and I am ready to take on this next year and push the boundaries of what I can do.

You are now in your second year, what is your advice to first years and students that want to join the school?

My advice to first years is to never think something is impossible. There is always a way to do something, even if it takes five people to make something awesome and you have to spend weeks planning, it will all pay off and you will make something awesome. For students who are wanting to join I would say that they should keep that creative passion and start making. Even if you aren’t confident filming something yet, even just making the ideas and writing what you would do and how you would do it is a great start. You should never give up on a creative dream!

Keep up to date with Owen’s work on his instagram: @binary_wizard1!

If you are interested in studying Film at college-level make sure you check out our course page to find out more about the skills and opportunities offered to students on this dynamic and industry focused pathway.