A film made by students at the University of Worcester has been shortlisted for an award at the Stratford Film Festival.
(left to right) Students Ben Monk and Joshua Prior. Photos below: stills from the film Celestial Intersect showing Joshua Prior in character as Richard DeVaughn - credit: Celestial Intersect with Richard De'Vaughn - Dir. Ben Monk
Ben Monk and Joshua Prior’s film Celestial Intersect, created as part of their studies, is a finalist in the Best Feature category. Winners will be announced at the two-day Festival on Saturday, August 16. Ben and Joshua are hoping this could be an important step in their ambition to get the film in front of producers to take the project to the next level and expand on the concept.
Ben, 22, of Dudley, said “It’s nice that it’s been nominated, that they have got the idea. It’s nice to see we’re on the right track. This film and project we believe is exciting and new, and something that not many other film makers, especially in the local area, are doing right now and is on the cusp of becoming really popular.”
“It would be fantastic to have advice on where to go next, but even just getting the judges’ feedback is great,” added Joshua, 23, of Hereford.
The mockumentary film features fictional character Richard De’Vaughn, a ghost hunter exploring various ghost stories around Worcester, and often involves unsuspecting members of the public who interact with Richard in devised scenarios, mixed with behind-the-scenes footage. The documentary style gives it a realistic feel.
“What gives us that extra edge is always shooting with the real people and going out into real situations,” added Ben. “This means that the interviews are only able to be shot once.”
It took the pair, who are graduates in Film Production and have just finished their PGCE in Further Education also at Worcester, nine months to devise, film and edit the piece. Joshua plays the central character. The pair were inspired by shows like The Office and the character Ali G, created by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen.
The film is set across several locations in Worcester, including the Tudor House Museum, Worcester Cathedral, St Swithun’s Church and the Guildhall. They explore a number of ghost stories or historical tales all based on folklore, myths or stories about Worcester that they have uncovered through research or hearsay. Ben says interest in their work is growing online, with their Tik Tok shorts in particular garnering many viewers in recent weeks.
The pair will graduate in September. Ben has got a job at a TV station in Redditch filming and editing adverts and other promotional material, while Joshua starts a teaching role at Kidderminster College in September. They plan to continue to pursue the Richard De’Vaughn project and take it further. “We know how much we loved it,” Joshua added. “I have always liked how people I know who are from different walks of life, different ages, find it funny, that has been the nice thing about it.”
To find out more and see clips of the duo’s work, including extra clips of Richard De’Vaughn in action and the film trailer, visit the YouTube channel ‘Richard De'Vaughn’.
To find out more about the Festival visit the website: www.stratford-upon-avon-filmfestival.com/