Production Competition 2023: Tell us a story! – The Winners
Well, all our judges were unanimous that the quality of this year’s entries was outstanding, and although we do say this every year (and mean it!) the level of technical skill, originality and reflection in 2023 was off the scale. This made the judging process incredibly challenging – with 200 entries, competition was fierce, and all our entrants should be very proud of themselves. Claire and Jenny spent countless happy hours of viewings and discussions before whittling down to our 25 finalists. Our shortlist could easily have been twice as long, but there are only so many films we can fit into an afternoon at BFI, and those who made it to the final showreel all had something unique and exciting to offer. Many congratulations to you all.
We really hope that you’ll watch our winning entries, and that they’ll inspire you in your next projects. Hopefully those of you still in school or in gap years will enter again next year – we can’t wait to see all your talent flowering as you move forward in your filmmaking careers.
Huge thankyous to our professional judges David Winstone, Tom Woodcock and Andrea Joyce for their thoughtful and inspirational comments. Thanks also to Mark and Nikki at BFI Southbank Education, and to Fran, Emma, Lucy, Hannah and Andrew at the English and Media Centre for their support and for making the 2023 Production Awards so memorable. And finally, our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to your teachers who have encouraged, mentored, and in many cases fought hard against all odds to keep film and video work on your curriculum.
See you next year!
Claire and Jenny
FOCUS – Jacob Bradley, Barton Peveril
Judge’s comments:
I’ve chosen FOCUS because it does something extremely difficult; It manages to beautifully discuss big themes in under five minutes and in a very sophisticated way. The filmmakers explore Isolation, technology vs nature and mental health by using every tool available to them: sound, music, lighting, composition, colour, movement and even aspect ratio, in spent.
THE COMMOTION – Sam McLeod, Queen Mary’s College
Judge’s comments:
This film is a masterfully crafted thriller, displaying a brilliant understanding of the genre and the techniques that make them work. The stylish use of camera and lighting expertly builds tension, atmosphere and mood to make a gripping film with a twisted sensibility the likes of Fincher and Hitchcock would surely appreciate.
LAIKA – Ruby Hagan, Upton Hall School
Judge’s comments:
This beautiful and evocative animation built a unique world through a blend of different styles and techniques that brilliantly came together. I was extremely impressed by the boldness and ambition of this film, telling the story of one of history’s most famous dogs in an original, quirky and most importantly, heartfelt way.
GOLDEN – Henry Fidler, Wanstead High School
Judge’s comments:
I loved how the makers of this video used a variety of techniques and looks to create a sense of different times, memories and feelings in a way that really fit the song and told a story. Yes - It used some beautiful imagery and dynamic editing, but more importantly the shots all told the story of longing and regret intrinsic to the song; in a poetic, lyrical way.
OVERFLOW – Olive Swallow, Tupton Hall Sixth Form
Judge’s comments:
This film used a fantastic and extremely accomplished range of animation techniques which were highly imaginative and abstract, but consistently reworked its themes and the development of ideas about state of mind and identity. The brilliant use of colours, shapes, movement and compositions were multi-layered and almost surreal.
Andrea Joyce, Creativity Award judge, added:
I genuinely look forward to this time of year when we can come together to remember a much loved and respected film teacher, Barney Oram in such a positive way. The creativity award inspires me every year. The entries get more interesting and the calibre of the films goes up a notch every year.
Last year previous winners talked about the confidence it gave them to be shortlisted and, in some cases, win an award in this competition. Confidence in your own creative voice is so important and I feel honoured to be part of such a positive award.
