Edge Hill students have their first taste of the big screen

Edge Hill media students had their first taste of life on the big screen this week when they showcased their work at FACT, Liverpool.

The event included the work of animation, advertising and film students, offering them a taste of what it's like to see their own names on the credits.

During the evening, the winner of the Paul Cannon Award 2009 was announced. The accolade is given each year to a media student whose final show reel demonstrates all the flair and charisma that it's name-sake demonstrated during his time as a film student at Edge Hill University. Paul, from Runcorn, died shortly before his graduation, but his family are understandably proud that he achieved a first class honours degree, completing his final year's  work in half the time it takes most other students.

Speaking about Paul, his cousin Lorraine Pinnington, said: "This award was Paul's idea just before he died. He said in his will that he wanted this to go to a student on a media course who produced the best work of the year and that he wanted his Mum and Dad to make sure it happened."

"It was a really good way of continuing Paul's legacy and commemorating the outstanding work he did, as he never got to receive his degree because he died just before his graduation. His parents are so very proud of him for everything he achieved and the way he carried on with his course throughout his illness."

"Paul was a very unique person. He had enthusiasm and tremendous vision - his work always showed a touch of humour too. He was a talented actor and director and this was noted during his internship in New York. He was asked to return to do some more work with the same organisation but was too ill to travel unfortunately."

As well as the award, Paul's family has honoured another of his requests, and by setting up the  Mile Walk charity which will pioneer cancer treatment without the use of chemotherapy. His parents have again carried this on raising over £30,000 to date.

Sol Papadopoulos, co-producer of Terrance Davies' acclaimed film Of Time and the City, presented the Paul Cannon award. Photographer turned filmmaker, Sol has won his own accolades, with three Royal Television Society awards and a BAFTA nomination to his name.

Speaking about the entrants, Sol said: "Some of the films I judged were of a really high standard, especially considering these are students and still learning their craft.

"The winning entry, an animated film by Jamie Stokes, was particularly endearing and human - It had elements of both humour and tragedy, which totally drew me in. He was evidently inspired by Nick Park, but, importantly, he put his own unique stamp on it, which was very impressive."

Jamie Stockley was thrilled to receive the award. He commented: "The award was really unexpected because my entry was an animation and I'd seen the other students' work, which looked really good, so I didn't think I had a chance."

"To be singled out by someone as talented as Sol is such an encouragement. I sat locked in my room for two and half months while I was making the film, so this it makes it all worth it!" 

Jamie, 23, from St Helens, was inspired by his girlfirend's mother, who is a school traffic attendant, or better known as a ‘Lollipop Lady'. After interviewing her and listening to her many stories, he knew he had the material for his film.

Jamie is currently undertaking an internship in Manchester-based animation company Chapmans, which has been extended beyond the original two-week stint because of the standard of his work. He has also gained valuable contacts to follow up in the prestigious Aardman Studios, where famous animator Nick Park created his cult characters Wallace and Grommit.

When asked about the importance of events that showcase media talent, Sol remarked: "Events like tonight are important for students. To see your own work on the big screen in front of an audience is such an amazing experience and, as a filmmaker, I still get the same buzz out of it today as I did when I was starting out."