Marc to fulfil film-making ambitions

Fledgling filmmaker Marc Lambert Clarke is getting involved behind the camera too as he graduates from Teesside University with an MA in TV Production.

He appeared on the big screen after getting involved in the recent Ian Dury biopic Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll while completing the BA (Hons) Media Production Professional Practice at Teesside. Marc, 24, of Colburn, North Yorkshire, landed a small role in the film as a punk drummer after attending a film event and striking up conversation with producer and director Justin Edgar, who made the award-winning film Special People.

That meeting resulted in Marc being invited on set to shadow the film-makers, which led to him appearing in the film and the credits for roles both on and off the screen.

He said: 'My official role was to shadow the Director of Photography, but I ended up in the film as during a break in scene takes, I decided to try my hand at drumming. The next thing I knew I was asked if I would mind playing the drums again, but while the camera was rolling.’

I wholeheartedly recommend Teesside University While completing the MA Marc became involved in the making of another film called Flutter, which due for release in 2011. He is also developing his own script for a short film called Assumption which he hopes will be made early next year.

He said of his involvement in both films: 'It gave me brilliant experience of being able to see what I was learning at Teesside being put into practice.'

Marc, who has used a wheelchair since childhood, was involved in producing a film while studying at Teesside about a student which aimed to alter perceptions of disabled people.

The film Hidden Lives: Fighting Cerebral Palsy showed how a fellow student born with cerebral palsy lives life to the full through his studies and passion for karate. Marc said of the documentary: 'It was an issue close to my heart as there are many misconceptions about what disabled people can achieve.

'I wholeheartedly recommend Teesside University. I was able to ask for help whenever I needed it and the staff never made my disability an issue.'

Marc, who was also involved in the University’s student radio station Click, added: 'I made some great friends and some great contacts which will help me pursue a career in filmmaking.'

---