“We want to make our mark on Sheffield before we graduate”.

Inspired by classic musicals such as Singin’ in the Rain, a group of Sheffield Hallam students recorded a musical for their second year project which includes a scene in the Adsetts Learning Centre.  We asked them to share some of their experiences with us.

Aaaand – action!

Ambitious, articulate and enthusiastic, Rhys Holland and George Dupays are part of a group of students who were given the task of making a film.  After watching a selection of videos that highlighted the emotions conveyed through drama, each group was asked to pitch their ideas to the rest of the class for feedback.  This particular group wanted to move away from the sad, sombre and gritty storylines which have become increasingly popular, and included in their choice of ideas the suggestion of a musical. 

As enthusiasm was received for this idea from all angles, the group worked together on songs, scripts, studio plans and location arrangements – against a tight schedule.  The film itself is light-hearted, comedic and doesn’t take itself too seriously, but the professionalism of the film clearly shows a talent and drive for results. 

What is the film about?

‘These Stories’ tells a story of Matt, a young graduate student whose efforts at university haven’t turned out as he wanted.  Matt is a keen musician and plays at his local (empty) pub but feels as though his life has stagnated.  But at one of his open mic gigs, he spots Lucy.

How was the film made?

With props galore, down to a clapper board, the film was recorded using Sony Z1’s and tracking dolly shots to ensure an authentic approach.  The group’s motivation was the challenge of the project – to accomplish something that would stand out from others in a short timescale.  With 20 hours of shooting, 15 hours in the studio recording the music tracks, plus extra time for additional dialogue, the outcome reflects the hard work and commitment of the group. 

Behind the scenes:

Apart from the pressure of bringing the film together against a tight deadline, the group had other obstacles to face.  The lead actor pulled out of filming the day before shooting was planned, so the students had to visit the SHU drama group to find another leading man at short notice.  The group also discovered that improvisation wasn’t as easy as they had anticipated, so put in a lot of extra planning work and devised shot lists.

For the filming in the learning centre, the students had to wait until closing time, with help from the Campus Manager and the security team.   One of their best experiences came after filming was over, when two of the main actors from the film found the soundtrack had become their earworm and kept singing it in class.

So what’s next?

“We want to make our mark on Sheffield before we graduate” say Rhys and George, and anyone talking to them can’t fail to see their sincerity.  Ambitions to film another Fred Astaire inspired musical are already in discussion, or a film about mistaken identity based on the classic Alfred Hitchcock style.

In terms of the long-range ambitions, its film and direction all the way for our students.  Both Rhys and George agreed that it’s amazing to have had the opportunity to try something different, as musicals can be beautiful, but commonly avoided today.  With a determination to make a portfolio that stands out, both students share a keen ambition of building a career in the film industry.  With so much potential ahead of them, the sky is the limit for these students, and we wish them all the very best for their future.

Take a look here to see the film itself!