The film studies department were delighted to welcome Oscar and BAFTA winning producer Gareth Ellis-Unwin, who is best known for producing the 2010 film The King's Speech. Gareth gave students an exclusive screening of his new film ‘Steel Country’ starring Andrew Scott, famous recently for TV series Sherlock and Bronagh Waugh who featured in TV crime drama The Fall.

The independent film follows an autistic sanitation worker, Donald Devlin (Scott) as he plays at being a detective, obsessively and precariously investigating the disappearance of a young boy in a sleepy American town. 

Students had the privilege of seeing the film before any other audience and took part in a survey to aid the filmmakers with their upcoming marketing and distribution programme.

A question and answer session followed, director Simon Ellis and lead actress Bronagh Waugh joined Gareth Ellis-Unwin to offer valuable insights into the making of the film. Students heard what a challenge it can be working within the film industry. To finish off, students were thrilled to take their picture with the Oscar The King's Speech won for best motion picture.

Gareth commented, “I always enjoy coming back to the College and like to bring something new. It was great to see the film getting such a good reaction from the students and teachers."

Ross Sarginson, subject tutor for media & film studies said, "It was an absolute pleasure to be the first audience to see the film. Gareth, Simon and Bronagh were so generous with their time discussing their experiences of working on the film and in the industry. The advice given to our students will be invaluable, providing them with real insight."