Napier TV graduate wins prestigious Royal Television Society short film competition
An Edinburgh Napier TV graduate and former Royal Marines Commando has triumphed in a prestigious short film competition organised by the Royal Television Society.
Matt Jones – who graduated from Edinburgh Napier in 2018 from its BA (Hons) TV programme – won this year’s Royal Television Society (RTS) Futures 48 film challenge with his short film, “That Wasn’t Meant To Happen.”
Written, filmed, directed and edited by Matt over 48 hours, and featuring an original music score by his brother Bill Jones, the humorous film focuses on a dad and son’s day out on safari that doesn’t quite go to plan.
The film features three talented actors – Young Theo, Olly Bassi and Madeline Richardson – all who were praised by judges as the film fended off competition from other entries across the UK.
The Futures 48 film challenge allows entrants 48 hours to create, film and edit a three-minute short film that is judged and awarded by key professionals from the television industry.
On winning, Matt’s film will now be showcased on the RTS 48 YouTube channel and he will be invited to next year’s 2022 student awards ceremony in London.
Matt graduated from Edinburgh Napier in 2018 with a First Class BA (Honours) in Television after a 12 year career as a commando saw him take part in active service in Northern Ireland and The Gulf.
He was also part of anti-drugs and anti-piracy missions in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and South China Seas.
Matt’s relationship with Edinburgh Napier continues through its armed forces network where he is currently involved with establishing a work-related project producing media content with the armed forces.
On winning the award, he said: “I was completely taken aback by the announcement. I was thrilled to have just been shortlisted. I entered the competition last year to no avail, so to have won a year later is both a euphoric and humbling experience.”
Matt’s success doesn’t stop here however.
During lockdown last year, he entered another short film competition with British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) and won with his delightful dog ‘Buddy’ who earlier this year sadly passed away.
He is also currently in collaboration with his brother Bill, creating a set of short songs, films and books based on creatures of the garden.
Watch this space!
Matt’s award-winning short film, That Wasn’t Meant To Happen, can be viewed here.