Ormiston Academy take part in work for tourist board.
Ten students from Birmingham’s specialist digital, creative and performing arts academy have completed their first professional commission on behalf of the Maltese Tourism Authority.
Throughout October half-term, the Creative Media students from Birmingham Ormiston Academy spent two weeks in Malta, working alongside pupils from St Martin’s Institute of Higher Education to produce two films showcasing the country to its potential visitors.
Immersing themselves in the country’s culture, the students focused on Maltese custom and cuisine, with visits to national heritage sites, glass blowing facilities, fish markets and top restaurants. Mentored by the Maltese Film Commission, they were given VIP press passes, allowing them to film and edit all of the footage in order to produce a three minute piece for the tourism authority.
Staff from the academy also visited St Martin’s Institute to deliver courses in filming, set design and prop-procurement to Maltese citizens.
The students were accompanied by Gaynor Cheshire, principal at BOA. She said: “We’re really proud of our partnership with St Martin’s Institute and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities it provides to our students.
“This is our second wave of students to head over to Malta to complete their placement and feedback from both trips has been fantastic, with students saying it has helped them become more independent and more efficient in their time management and production.
“At BOA, we work hard to ensure that our students experience first-hand all of the different elements which go into working in their chosen industry. This placement is no different. From pitching their ideas Apprentice style to dining with the heads of the Maltese Tourism Authority and Maltese Film Commission, it was an unforgettable trip which will be invaluable to our students and their future careers.”
BOA is open to students aged 14-18 who are looking to pursue careers in creative, digital and performance industries and is sponsored by Ormiston Trust and Birmingham City University, with founding partners Maverick TV and the BRIT School.
More information about the academy can be found at www.boa-academy.co.uk/ while the Malta project is covered at www.marboaproject.net.