THREE Prudhoe High School pupils have been recognised for their filmmaking skills by an Oscar and BAFTA winner.

Danny Hollings was announced the winner of the inaugural James Reed Award, named after the former student, with Ellen Wilkin and Anya Jowsey also receiving special commendations for their work. 

James Reed co-directed the Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher which won best documentary at the Oscars and Baftas in 2021. He is currently editing a new, secret project that he was in Uganda filming on the night of the Baftas. It is due for release on Netflix early 2023.

 

Winner Danny Hollings said: “It was a great surprise and I feel honoured that James Reed chose me to win, especially after a rough couple of years.

"It has given me the encouragement and inspiration to pursue a career in the creative industries which I can’t thank him and the school enough for.”

James said that Anya's work had "all the makings of a future director of photography", while Ellen's film "ticked all the boxes."

“It was important for us to celebrate all of our students' achievements and the challenges they have overcome to get here", added Kerry Earl, head of sixth form.

"We are proud of every one of them, they all deserve recognition but Danny was such a well-deserved winner.

"We will miss them all and wish them every success in all of their next steps.”

As well as trophies, the winners will receive an advice and mentoring session from James, who has already set up his first conversation with Danny.