Focus on Film: Filmmaking bursary to unlock students’ potential

Published on 12, November, 2024

Opportunities are set to open up for future filmmakers after two University of Sunderland students receive a major funding boost.

Harry New and Kevin Hassani have both been awarded the Royal Television Society (RTS) TV Production and Journalism Bursary, which supports students across the country from lower-income backgrounds to unlock their potential.

Sunderland was among 30 other institutions that saw students receive this funding to help them pursue their career in the television, film or related media industries.

Harry, 21, who studies Film Production at the University, said: “This bursary makes me feel confident in my ability as a filmmaker and that I have what it takes to pursue film as a career.

“I’m really excited to work with an industry mentor in Year 3 and hopefully get some work experience off the back of it. The doors that are going to open because of this and meeting people who are already in the industry makes this opportunity so exciting.”

Kevin, 20, from the West Midlands, who also studies Film Production, said: “Having this support, not just the financial but also the holistic support, is so helpful. This bursary supercharges what I want to achieve and it’s a massive push in the right direction.

“Coming to the University of Sunderland was a big change for me, so having that support within what I want to do is invaluable.”

Harry, from Southampton, added: “I came to Sunderland because I think it’s the best in the country for film and TV production. The facilities at the University and its reputation were already incredible, but adding the new Crown Works Studios in the mix, with this bursary, where else would you want to be?”

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Students who receive this funding will benefit from £1,500 per academic year to enhance their creative pursuits and studies, free RTS membership, personal industry mentorship and free access to all RTS events, screenings and lectures.

Graeme Thompson MBE, Chair of the Royal Television Society Education Committee and Visiting Professor at the University of Sunderland, said: "It has been ten years since we launched the bursary scheme to encourage students from across the UK to consider careers in television and content creation.

"The scheme was set up because we were concerned that people from lower income backgrounds outside of London were finding it hard to get opportunities and mentoring because they had no contacts in the industry and couldn’t afford to travel to studios and production companies for work experience.

“I hope this year's cohort of bursary students take full advantage of the many opportunities that will come their way during their time with the RTS. And it's always good to see students studying in the north-east applying to be part of it.

“I'm delighted the RTS has been able to shift the dial on recruiting a more diverse and geographically representative talent pipeline."

The University of Sunderland’s Film Production course ranked 5^th in the Guardian’s University Guide 2025 subject rankings while Media ranked 3^rd.

If you are interested in studying Film Production at the University, click here. 

You can check out the University’s filmmaking studios in person at one of our open days. Book your place here.