Emmy winner David Quantick supports Sunderland film school

David Quantick, known for his work on Veep, TV Burp, and The Thick of It, has joined a panel of university experts to guide students through every step of creating their own film during a film school at the University of Sunderland.

In June, 22 students from colleges and sixth forms will collaborate with director Craig Conway and university staff to produce their own film, experiencing the full process from concept to screening.

North East actor, producer and director Craig Conway with guest speaker, novelist and comedy writer David Quantick and academics from the University of Sunderland work with students during the film school round table event Picture: DAVID WOOD (Image: David James Wood)

Mr Quantick, who is a visiting professor at the university, said: "This course is impressive, imaginative and exciting, with the students’ creativity and diligence equal to the industry professionals’ hard work and expertise."

The University of Sunderland Film School was made possible by a donation from Kirsten Black, the university’s former deputy vice-chancellor (commercial).

Ms Black said: "When I retired from the university, I was keen to find a way to support the amazing and innovative work that encourages our local communities to study at Sunderland.

"I knew the University had invested in the latest media technology and has brilliant lecturers.

North East actor, producer and director Craig Conway with guest speaker, novelist and comedy writer David Quantick and academics from the University of Sunderland work with students during the film school round table event (Image: David James Wood)

"That and the growing importance of the industry in Sunderland, not to mention my lifelong love of film and cinema was the perfect opportunity to support this adventure in filmmaking."

The programme began with a roundtable discussion on 27 May with Mr Quantick and academics from the university to develop their ideas for the film and the script, which was written by Jo McCullock, Lecturer in Screenwriting.

Lee Hall, head of the School of Media and Creative Industries, said: "The goal of our film school is to inspire people to find their talent and follow their dream into the screen industries.

"So we asked visiting professor David Quantick, a renowned screen writer, to shape the script.

"It’s a phenomenal opportunity for the school and college students involved.

"We believe getting feedback and guidance from someone so celebrated is not just a great experience, but it will help students to find their own voices."