Royal Television Society success for two Teesside graduates

Royal Television Society awards have been won by films created by two Teesside University graduates.

School of Computing graduate Domareen Fox and School of Arts & Media graduate Jing Zhao were recognised earlier this year in the student category of the Royal Television Society’s Regional Awards.

Now each have won recognition in the Royal Television Society (RTS) Student Television Awards 2016.

Domareen's film Dresslocked won the Undergraduate Animation award. Described by the judges as a film which 'successfully deals with the issue of body dysmorphia in a visually interesting and rewarding way', this 2D animated film explores body dysmorphic disorder through the struggle of a young woman who can’t decide what to wear in the morning.

Domareen, who graduated last year and is originally from Saltburn, is now working as an Art Director for Studio Soi, an animation studio based near Stuttgart in Germany, which has produced the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Child animations.

Jing’s film Eat, then Wait for the Night, won the Undergraduate Factual award and was described by judges as 'an accomplished piece of filmmaking that stays with you' with 'brilliant casting.'

Filmed on location in China and set against the backdrop of Chinese New Year, this film explores loneliness and the importance of family in China, examining the themes of loneliness, loss, family and connections between people.

Since graduating from Teesside University, Jing has worked as a Producer for China International Communication Centre and a Researcher at Meridian Line Films.

Commenting when both films made it to the national finals after winning regional RTS awards, Jill Morgan, Dean of the School of Arts & Media, said: 'The films the students produced here at Teesside University are exceptional and deserve to be recognised alongside the best student work in the country.'

Dr Simon Stobart, Dean of the School of Computing, added: 'Domareen’s work was of the highest quality when she was here at Teesside and it is no surprise to see her doing so well.'

The Awards celebrate the best in student television, with judging in six categories; Animation, Comedy and Entertainment, Drama, Factual, News and Open. All nominated films will be available to watch on Sky Arts On Demand later this year.

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