2018 Awardee: Hannah Kelso

"This industry is highly competitive but I am now in the right place and equipped with the right tools for the future"

Biography

Originally from the small town of Alloa in Clackmannanshire, Hannah moved to Glasgow to study Screen at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.  There, she wrote, developed and shot her own short films and developed a passion for screenwriting. She wrote and directed her graduation film ‘Crescent’,  and this became runner up at the ‘Sci-Fi Film Festival’ in Australia. She spent the next few years developing short films and writing a treatment for her first feature film.

In 2018, Hannah gained a place to study on the prestigious National Film & Television School MA Screenwriting course. This enabled her to develop and write her first TV pilot, as well as animations and her first feature film.

Hannah gained an interview at Warner Brothers. She was given the opportunity to represent them as a Creative Talent Scholar for 2019, offering huge benefits for her future as a screenwriter.

How the Award Helped

Hannah’s Award supported her studies at the NFTS. She writes;

“Without this award, it is unlikely I could have afforded the living costs needed to stay in close proximity to the NFTS and complete my course. The Dewar Award has alleviated the financial pressure I was struggling with and I can truly focus my mind on my art. As a writer, this is a wonderful and rare gift to be entrusted with. This industry is highly competitive but I am now in the right place and equipped with the right tools for the future.”

"This industry is highly competitive but I am now in the right place and equipped with the right tools for the future"

2016 Awardee: Adam Murdoch

"To be selected was incredibly humbling, and not only validated what I had already achieved, but drove me to apply 110% of myself to my writing."

Biography

Adam’s passion for writing started from a very young age, when he would scribble random symbols and letters on scrap pieces of paper and then present his parents with his ‘stories’, insisting that they read them back to him. This love of storytelling quickly developed into a love of reading, as he devoured books and excelled at English in school.

Adam was accepted onto a course in English Literature at the University of Glasgow, but found this didn’t quite satiate his desire to tell stories as well as read them. He began instead to invest increasing amounts of time in one of his option courses, Film and Television. He switched to study this full time, and graduated with an MA (Hons) in Film and TV in 2015.

After graduation, Adam was determined to tell his stories through the screen. He applied and was fortunate enough to be accepted onto an intense, one year Screenwriting Conservatory program at the illustrious New York Film Academy, at the Manhattan Campus. There he wrote several pieces for both big and small screens, and also managed to sell a screenplay for production in Bermuda.

This was an excellent opportunity to learn and network at the hearts of the industry, but Adam has never lost sight of his Scottish roots. His ambition is to draw inspiration from his upbringing, and create stories weaved around his home country.

How the Award Helped

Despite working two jobs and hosting several fundraising events in the year between leaving University and starting at the Film Academy, Adam was unable to fully cover the cost of studying New York. Adam’s Award helped him to make up the shortfall, allowing him to fully focus on developing his skills on the course, and enabling him to make the most of this rare opportunity.

"To be selected was incredibly humbling, and not only validated what I had already achieved, but drove me to apply 110% of myself to my writing."

2016 Awardee: David Tinto

It is a great privilege to receive the support and validation of a Dewar Arts Award. The award is allowing me to follow my long held ambition in attending the National Film and Television School.

Biography

Born in Uddingston, Glasgow, David Tinto began studying his craft at the Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh School of Architecture. Proving himself to be a talented student, David went on to complete his Masters of Architecture at the University of Edinburgh.

After graduating, David worked with a number of architectural and design practices across Scotland and also in the USA. His work and areas of interest extend into fine art and film, with work exhibited across Scotland, including at The Glasgow Art Club, The CCA and The Royal Scottish Academy.

In 2014, David was the recipient of the RSA Medal for Architecture.

David’s passion for film has been a common theme through much of his studies and work and has led to his ambition to specialise in the field of Production Design for film.

How the Award Helped

In 2015, David gained a place on the highly competitive MA in Production Design for Film course at the renowned National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield. When he took up his place the following year, the Dewar Arts Awards assisted David through his studies, enabling him to specialise in his chosen field.

It is a great privilege to receive the support and validation of a Dewar Arts Award. The award is allowing me to follow my long held ambition in attending the National Film and Television School.

2016 Awardee: Carol Brown

"I am extremely grateful for the support from The Dewar Arts Awards. This award has made it possible for me to take the next step in the industry, and allowed me to study at the current No.1 film school in the United States."

Biography

Brought up on a farm on the outskirts of Peebles in the Scottish Borders, Carol had always had an interest in film and visual storytelling. Intent on pursuing her interests professionally, she gained a place to study a BA in Digital Film and Television at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Carol proved herself to be an outstanding student; patient, tenacious and an explemplary leader.  She graduated in 2013 as recipient of both the Perth Festival of the Arts Award and the Dorothy Innes Prize.

After graduation, Carol worked in Scotland as a production runner on feature films ‘Swung’ (Directed by Collin Kennedy) and ‘Sunset Song’ (Directed by Terence Davies), as well as continuing to produce short films. She then made the move to Manchester to begin her career as a Production Assistant on Britain’s longest running Soap opera ‘Coronation Street’.  Later, she transitioned over to the Casting and Contracts Department for ITV Studios.

In 2016 Carol was offered a place on the renowned Peter Stark Producing Program at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. This highly competitive MFA program accepts just 24 graduate students from around the world, and develops their skills for careers as Television Showrunners and Studio Executives. She was also the recipient of the 2016 BAFTA LA/ PIGOTT Scholarship.

Carol’s ambition is to develop as an independent producer, working globally between the UK and US.

“Her impressive qualifications and study at the USC Film School promises a very bright future.” – Mark Pigott KBE

How the Award Helped

Carol’s Award enabled her to accept her place for postgraduate study at the University of Southern California.

"I am extremely grateful for the support from The Dewar Arts Awards. This award has made it possible for me to take the next step in the industry, and allowed me to study at the current No.1 film school in the United States."

2016 Awardee: Ben Hunter

"Without the assistance from the Dewar Arts Award, I would not have been able to accept my place on the course. Their belief in me has pushed me to be the best I can be."

Biography

Ben Hunter is a Scottish filmmaker, born and educated in Perth. He graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland as a recipient of the Perth Festival of the Arts Award, and went on to study an MA in Directing Fiction at the National Film & Television School in Beaconsfield.  He was the only Scottish student with 7 other internationals.

The NFTS is one of the world’s most highly regarded film schools, and the MA is unique and specialist masters course, allowing students to develop their creative voices as directors in an intense and practical environment.

In 2017, Ben’s films Tibet (2015) and Greylag (2016) were screened at the Glasgow Short Film Festival and the Royal Television Society Awards.

Although Ben gathers his influences from around the world, he is very interested in assimilating these to tell stories of his own culture, background and experiences growing up in central Scotland.

How the Award Helped

Ben’s Dewar Arts Award enabled him to accept his place to study at the NFTS.

Glory on Earth

"Without the assistance from the Dewar Arts Award, I would not have been able to accept my place on the course. Their belief in me has pushed me to be the best I can be."

2014 Awardee: Paul Devlin

Being part of that creative process is an experience I find both exhilarating and exciting, and one that compares to no other.

Biography

Paul is a talented composer with a distinctive voice. Having grown up in Scotland, he gained a First Class Honours Degree in Music from Strathclyde University and recieved their Stone Award for excellence in his composition portfolio.

After graduation, Paul was awarded a commission from Glasgow City Council (on behalf of Glasgow Celtic FC) to compose a piece in remembrance of the Jewish Holocaust. He went on to gain a coveted place to study an MMus in Screen Composition at the Royal College of Music in London.

Paul has a genuine passion for the creative process and the art of taking music from page to performance. He apires to become a professional composer for screen with a broad range of knowledge across many musical styles and genres. His studies at the RCM have provided an invaluable foundation from which to shape his ambitions.

How the Award Helped

Paul received a Dewar Award to support his second year of MMus studies, enabling him to fully benefit from the opportunity to flourish as a composer.

Being part of that creative process is an experience I find both exhilarating and exciting, and one that compares to no other.

2014 Awardee: Ian Forbes

I feel tremendously fortunate to be supported with a Dewar Arts Award. Receiving the award has allowed me fulfil my long-time dream, to attend the MA in Cinematography at the National Film and Television School.

Biography

Born and brought up in Scotland by an artistic family, Ian is a London-based cinematographer with a passion for image, story and collaboration.  Having studied for his BA Honours at art school in his hometown, Dundee, Ian graduated in 2010 with a 1st class honours.  Over the next two years he built up a portfolio of work across film, animation and a variety of commercial projects, and in 2012 was selected to attend the MA in Cinematography at the National Film and Television School.

Ian has had work screened at numerous festivals including Encounters, Aesthetica and the Glasgow Film Festival.  In 2011 he received an award at Shepparton Shorts Short Film Festival, Australia, and in 2012 was selected by Ideas Tap to make a new film with director Rose Hendry. He has gained a coveted BAFTA Scholarship to support his studies alongside his Dewar Award

How the Award Helped

Ian received a Dewar Award to enable him to continue studying at the prestigious NFTS.

Since the Award

Ian developed his skills and talents through his studies at NFTS. In 2015 was nominated for a New Talent Award by BAFTA Scotland for his Camera/Photography work on Seahorse – a story of a first love and a pregnant boy (see trailer below).

March 2015 – Nominated for a BAFTA Scotland New Talent Award: Camera/Photography, Seahorse

‘Seahorse’ Trailer – Ian Forbes (c) NFTS

I feel tremendously fortunate to be supported with a Dewar Arts Award. Receiving the award has allowed me fulfil my long-time dream, to attend the MA in Cinematography at the National Film and Television School.

2014 Awardee: Rory Alexander Stewart

The Dewar Arts Award has given me the chance to pursue my passion of directing film and TV at one of the best institutions in the world, allowing me the chance to work with great new talent in all roles of filmmaking as well as to develop my own talent further.

Biography

Rory Alexander Stewart is an award-winning writer and film director. Born and raised in Scotland, his visual flair, calm and focused approach, and passion for storytelling allow him to excel in his chosen field.

In 2013 Rory won a BAFTA New Talent Writer Award for ‘Liar’; a film developed with Rankin Film Productions and The
Bureau’s Collabor8te scheme. In 2014 he was awarded the doc prizes at the Smalls Film Festival and London Short Film Festival for ‘The Port’. The same year saw him premiere his film ‘WYLD’ at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, as well as delivering nineteen shorts in collaboration with the National Theatre of Scotland and winning The Skinny/Innis & Gunn Short Film Competition for his no-budget short ‘Good Girl’.

In 2015 he completed ‘Misery Guts’, a short improvised comedy, which was nominated for the Channel 4 Award for Innovation in Storytelling. He then gained a place to study on a Directing Fiction course at the prestigious National Film and Television School, offering the perfect opportunity to progress his career on a full-time basis.

How the Award Helped

Rory’s Dewar Arts Award supported his studies at the National Film and Television School, enabling him to fully develop his burgeoning career.

The Dewar Arts Award has given me the chance to pursue my passion of directing film and TV at one of the best institutions in the world, allowing me the chance to work with great new talent in all roles of filmmaking as well as to develop my own talent further.

2012 Awardee: Steven Ferguson

I have the chance of a lifetime to study on the National Film and Television School's MA Cinematography. From my teenage years I have dreamed of studying at the course and through a lot of hard work I have reached the point where I have been offered a place!

Biography

Growing up in Cumbernauld, Steven was encouraged from an early age to follow his dreams.  He was instilled with a great sense of ambition and a belief that with hard work and passion you can achieve anything, whatever your background.  Steven’s passion turned out to be film, and he set out to carve himself a career in cinematography.

Supported by a student bursary, Steven completed a BA(Hons) in Digital Film and Television at what was then the RSAMD (now the RCS).  His graduation film, Ghost Story (see below), was screened at the Glasgow Film Festival and received much attention, being nominated for a Royal Television Society Scotland Award and winning ‘Best Fiction’ at the Creative Loop Awards. Steven graduated with a first class degree and has returned to the RCS frequently to support other students as a mentor.  He has also worked freelance as a lighting camera operator.

Steven shows immense capacity for cinematography, making work that is both visually beautiful and thematically sophisticated.  He is an imaginative storyteller who communicates with unique vision, and has been hailed as “a real Scottish talent with unlimited potential”.

As well as honing his craft in film, Steven intends to continue sharing skills and knowledge with up and coming talent.  He says: “I have seen first hand how being taught and passed on knowledge by others with passion for their craft can have a transformative effect – it is through the inspiration and encouragement from my tutors/lecturers that has led to many of my successes so far and put me on the right path.”

How the Award Helped

Steven had always dreamed of studying at the National Film and Television School, and in 2011 he was offered a coveted place on the MA in Cinematography. This presented a fantastic opportunity for Steven to develop his technique in areas such as lighting, composition and writing, and would take him to the next stage of his burgeoning career. The Dewar Arts Awards supported him in taking up the two year course in London.

Since the Award

Steven went from strength to strength at the NFTS. His graduation film earned him a BAFTA Scotland 2015 New Talent Award nomination for Camera/Photography. Entitled Sick, the film tells the story of a lonely, isolated mother (see trailer below).

May 2014 – Article in Variety: Film North nominated for a Student Oscar

April 2015 – BAFTA Scotland New Talent Award Winner 2015: Steven wins Camera/Photography Award and Best New Talent Award for film Sick

Steven’s graduate film Ghost Story from RCS on Vimeo.

Double win at BAFTA Scotland New Talent Awards 2015

I have the chance of a lifetime to study on the National Film and Television School's MA Cinematography. From my teenage years I have dreamed of studying at the course and through a lot of hard work I have reached the point where I have been offered a place!

2012 Awardee: Jessica Ashman

It excites me to be part of an industry which makes the impossible possible, and reaches out to the hearts and minds of audiences from all walks of life

Biography

Jessica moved to Edinburgh from the Midlands in 2008, after gaining a coveted place on the Animator Apprenticeship Scheme run by what was then Scottish Screen. She proved herself to be a commited and passionate young animator, with the necessary patience and core skills required to make a career in the artform.

After her apprenticeship, Jessica lived and worked in Glasgow.  She made a name for herself as a freelance director and animator in the film and TV industries.

Jessica’s passion for directing comes from the ability to share stories, experiences and emotions through work on screen.  Her short film Fixing Luka is a stop motion animaton that explores her personal experience of growing up with a younger brother who has autism.  The film went on to win a New Talent BAFTA for Original Score and a Scottish BAFTA for Best Animation in 2011.

Also in 2011, Jessica was commissioned as a writer/director on B3 Media’s Talentlab Programme;  a creative development programme produced in partnership with Skillset and BBC Films.  She received mentor support from top industry professionals and on completion was accepted onto the prestigious MA in Animation at the Royal College of Art.

How the Award Helped

Studying for a masters degree provided a crucial tipping point for Jessica, taking her to the next level of her career.  She received a Dewar Award to enable her to benefit from this opportunity to the full.

Trailer: Fixing Luka

Trailer: Tenderfoot (MA final year film from RCA) 

It excites me to be part of an industry which makes the impossible possible, and reaches out to the hearts and minds of audiences from all walks of life