Wednesday 16 03 2022
An environmental documentary, a space epic and songs by an international festival performer are among the highlights of this year’s University of the West of Scotland BCI Student Showcase.
The bi-annual event, which celebrates the creativity and innovation of students from the University’s highly regarded School of Business and Creative Industries (BCI), features work from students and recent graduates; many of whom have gone on to make a significant mark on their chosen industries
ABOVE: Meg Montague filming
Dear Green Place is a hard-hitting documentary that looks at COP26 in Glasgow, produced Meg Montague for her MA Broadcast Journalism course.
Meg, who now works as a Broadcast Journalist for Original 106 in Aberdeen, said: “COP26 was a pivotal moment in history and, clearly, the fact it took place in Glasgow was in itself extremely significant.
“However, I wanted to take a hyper-local look at this subject, and examine how the city has responded to the climate emergency. That’s what Dear Green Place is all about.
“I’m so pleased that it is being featured at this year’s Showcase, and I have no doubt that my work on this project, and at UWS in general, was crucial in my development as a journalist.”
ABOVE: Nicholas Kay filmed Horizons, Episode 0 in an ordinary living room
Another project on show is Horizons, Episode 0; is a unique sci-fi film, shot entirely in an ordinary living room on an iPhone.
Nicholas Kay, who filmed the movie as a BA Performance project, said: “The pandemic made filming challenging, and I produced Horizons to show what could be achieved from the comfort of your own home.
“I bought a cheap green screen, and spent time getting to grips with how best to use it. I didn’t want anyone to even suspect that this might have been filmed in a normal home in Dumbarton!
“I’m incredibly proud of the end result, and I’m absolutely delighted that people have the chance to enjoy my work at the Student Showcase.”
ABOVE: Christie Oliver released new music ahead of the Showcase (image by Chelsea Kostrey)
Visitors will also have the chance to hear from hotly-tipped young musicians, including by singer-songwriter Christie Oliver, whose 2021 highlights included performing on the BBC stage at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Christie said: “For BA Commercial Music, I decided to record, release and promote two new singles, and help establish myself as a self-managing artist. One of the benefits of studying this course at UWS is that you can tap into the expertise of practising musicians who are at the level I aspire to reach.
“At the Showcase, people can hear some of my music, and also learn the story behind my music, including my recently released new single, Venom. I’m grateful to UWS for providing this excellent platform.”
“The work on show at the Showcase is of the highest quality, and a brilliant reflection of what our talented students are capable of."Clare Duffin, Showcase Co-ordinator
UWS Commercial Music Lecturer and Arts and Media Showcase Co-ordinator Clare Duffin added: “The work on show at the Showcase is of the highest quality, and a brilliant reflection of what our talented students are capable of.
“You will find UWS arts and media students working in every corner of the creative industries, and this event provides an opportunity to enjoy their work as they just start out.”