Published on 22 May 2024
A budding filmmaker from the University of Sunderland has received a national recognition after being nominated at this year’s Royal Television Society (RTS) Student Television Awards.
The prestigious awards are designed to highlight the talent, potential and enthusiasm of students across the UK, celebrating the exemplary audiovisual work they create.
Mark Stiles, who is studying Media Production at Sunderland, has been shortlisted in the award’s Undergraduate Factual – Long Form category for his documentary series Thank You, Final Fantasy VII.
The series explores how the video game Final Fantasy VII rose to success, changing the gaming industry with its entirely new genre of role-playing games, and how playing the game has helped Mark emotionally and mentally.
Mark said: “I am absolutely honoured that Thank You, Final Fantasy VII has been nominated for a national RTS award. My dissertation film is a project that tells a very personal story, so for it to have connected with so many people means more to me than words can describe. I’m hoping it’s the first step towards a successful career in the industry.”
Senior Lecturer, Sue Perryman, who supervised Mark throughout his project, has described him as a “storyteller to watch” with an “unwavering” dedication and commitment to his craft.
Meanwhile, Lee Hall, Head of the School of Media and Communications at the University of Sunderland, said: “Mark's candid film tells a powerful story. It's an outstanding piece of work, regardless of any accolades.
“But being shortlisted for a national award from a key industry body provides recognition and a platform for him to go on and make waves in the screen industries.
“We are proud to see Mark flying the flag for the University and wish him the best of luck on the night.”
The winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony on Friday 21 June at the IET London, Savoy Place, hosted by rapper, author and broadcaster Guvna B.
For more information about studying Media Production BA (Hons) at the University of Sunderland, visit: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/media/undergraduate-media-production/
For the RTS Student Television Awards: https://rts.org.uk/award/rts-student-television-awards-2024