UK (London South Bank University) LSBU graduate, Jamie-Oliver Lai won second place at the Bill Vinten University Awards

29 November 2022

LSBU (London South Bank University) Film Practice Degree (now Film and Television Practice) graduate, Jamie-Oliver Lai won second place at the prestigious Guild of Television Camera Professionals Bill Vinten University Awards, for his excellent camerawork and well-lit interior scenes as Director of Photography on the LSBU graduation film Tell Tyler (2022), an LGBTQ+ coming-of-age comedy drama.

The Film Division at LSBU was also runner-up for the overall student portfolio prize for best camerawork in a competitive scoring process.

The GTC Awards took place on 27th November 2022 and marked the 50th anniversary of the GTC (Guild of Television Camera professionals). The Bill Vinten GTC University Awards competition acknowledges excellent teaching of camerawork and craft skills within UK educational establishments.

On receiving his award, Jamie said: “This is my first time being on such a big stage, thank you for that. I’d like to thank London South Bank University, Matthew Hawkins who put us forward, and my lecturer Luc Yu Lun-Sung, who taught me cinematography. Awards like this remind me that I am in the right industry.”

Jamie currently works as a freelance camera assistant and since graduating earlier this year has worked on a wide range of film projects in the UK and overseas.

Lucy Brown, Head of Film at LSBU’s School of Arts and Creative Industries, said: “The awards are a tremendous achievement and I’m incredibly proud of Jamie, the Tell Tyler team and our dedicated academic and technical team. Our courses are designed to offer students the skills required to develop their craft and flourish as students and film and TV makers. Being recognised by the highly respected Guild of Television Camera Professionals showcases LSBU as producers of the next generation of creators and cinematographers.”

Tell Tyler was made during the final year of the Film Practice Degree. The other LSBU student crew members include Frankie Joe Gommon (writer/director), Jenny Richards (producer), and Joe Elson (editor).