New University facilities secure first commercial client
Posted on 16 November 2010
Parashoots have hired one of the new production studios on the University's campus expansion at Heslington East for a two-week long shoot to produce a series of online training modules. The company is staying true to its aim of 'providing a regional alternative' by actively seeking to provide opportunities for talented graduates to join their professional crew. Recent University of York graduate, Ian Martindale, is Production Assistant on the shoot.
It's a pleasure to have a York-based company as the first to use our production facilities, especially so soon after opening our magnificent new building
Professor Andrew Higson
Ian graduated with a BEng in Electronic Engineering with Media Technology, from the University's Department of Electronics where he was taught by John Mateer, who is now Head of Film and Television Production in the Department of Theatre Film and Television.
Writer and director Mark Herman, whose credits include Brassed Off, Little Voice and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, formed Parashoots after 'seeing so many gifted graduates, as well as other local talent, either fail to find the first rung on the industry ladder, or, if they did, leave the region'.
Parashoots are using one of the Department's two new television studios as a sound stage, rigging it with a large green-screen to facilitate special effects work. When fit-out is completed early next year, these studios will be fully broadcast-compliant utilising 3G and a tapeless workflow. The small studio features a three camera set-up, the large studio five cameras and both will utilise satellite uplink/downlink capability for live broadcast. The new building also features a range of other well-equipped production, post-production and theatre resources putting it on par with the best commercial facilities in the UK.
Development of the new TFTV facility has been supported by investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in Yorkshire and the Humber, part of a major infrastructure project led by Science City York to extend the assets and strategic potential of York as a leading centre for science and innovation.
Parashoots' Creative Director Paul Richardson said: "The new Department of Theatre, Film and Television is state of the art and it's very exciting to be able to take advantage of their facilities. It is extra special to be the department's first commercial client and to be able to keep business in York rather than having to shoot elsewhere."
Head of Department, Professor Andrew Higson, said: "It's a pleasure to have a York-based company as the first to use our production facilities, especially so soon after opening our magnificent new building. It's also a pleasure to be able to support Mark Herman's commitment to using local talent.
"Establishing close links with the film and television industries is central to the mission of the department, and our facilities are already attracting a great deal of interest from professional colleagues. We look forward to building on the work of Parashoots and welcoming other companies to the department over the coming months."
John Mateer added: "We are absolutely delighted to have Parashoots as our first client. It is also great to see Ian again, particularly since he has been able to put the skills he learned at York to such good use."
Ian said: "It's great to be back at the University, and to be able to work so locally. The investment in new facilities is clearly attracting more professional production to York, and it's a pleasure to be part of that. By working with companies like Parashoots, the University is continuing to help me further my career even after graduating!"
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