University News Last updated 22 May 2009
A close friend's addiction to heroin was the inspiration behind an award-winning film by a former Birmingham City University student.
Steven Spencer won the national Royal Television Society Student Television Award for his short film, My Brown Friend. MA Visual Communications Graduate Steven beat the other nominees in the Animation category to the prize. The competition organisers described his entry as: "...a shockingly powerful exploration of drug addiction. The jury admired the film for its original take on an often explored topic and making it really hit home."
Thirty-year-old Steven made the film in 2007 while studying for his MA, and was his graduation project. He created it on a shoestring budget acting as the only crew member - writing, filming, directing and animating the whole thing - which was inspired by a close friend's experience.
Steven, who is originally from Wednesbury, is setting up his own studio in central Birmingham called Nice Monster Film & Animation Studios. He is also working for Ragdoll, the company that makes children's TV shows, The Teletubbies and In the Night Garden.
Steven said: "The MA course at Birmingham City University helped me find a maturity in my work that didn't previously exist and gave me the opportunity to experiment in a new media.
"I've spent several years living in London but now I want to stay true to my roots, and help support the local film-making community in Birmingham."
Steven's former tutor, Professor Andrew Kulman said: Everyone in the School of Visual Communication here at Birmingham City University has recognised the significance of this achievement.
"Steven's work represents the best of what we are achieving here in Birmingham and it will place a lot of new focus on animation in the region. I anticipate the University will be calling on Steven to help us to further develop animation and film."
To view Steven's film visit:www.youtube.com/v/5n66Vbl24ns&hl=en&fs=1"><>