‘High, high praise from parents when they see the films on Oscars night’
Heath Mount School
What better way to end the term – or year – than a glamorous Oscars-style film evening for pupils and parents? A red carpet for filmmakers and guests to walk up. Black tie dress code. Paparazzi snapping away. The anticipation as presenters take to the podium to announce the nominees in each category: ‘… and the Oscar goes to…’. The winner is announced. The sheer elation as young filmmakers rush to accept the award, fists pumping, back-slapping each other. Then the speech, loaded with emotion: ‘I’d like to thank…’. It’s an evening no-one is going to forget.
Leading schools across the UK are now hosting film awards nights as a leaver’s send-off, a boarder’s weekend activity, to welcome new intake at the start of the year – or as a charity fundraiser. Films produced using the One Day Film School – Online are being premiered alongside sit-down dinners and drinks receptions for parents. Every parent wants to see their child shine on the big screen, and this is their chance.
It’s a fabulous marketing opportunity for the school, generating endless images of grinning children clutching Oscar statuettes alongside parents, school staff, governors – even celebrity presenters.
So how do you organise your own Oscars night? Who decides the nominees and winners? Where do engraved statuettes come from? You can contact Young Film Academy to discuss an Oscars package, including a Young Film Academy host… or do it yourself in-house.
AWARD CATEGORIES
BEST FILM
BEST ACTOR
BEST ACTRESS
BEST CAMERAWORK
BEST EDITING
BEST MUSIC
BEST STAFF CAMEO
Heath Mount School, Stevenage have hosted a hugely popular Year 8 Leavers’ Oscars Night since 2010. Ed Bowden, Deputy Head, explains why – and how – they do it..
You’ve been hosting an Oscars since 2010, in collaboration with Young Film Academy. Can you describe the evening?
It is a very special event that showcases the films that the pupils have worked on and produced during their post exam programme. It is a black tie event to which parents are invited. It brings laughter and tears in abundance but most importantly, every pupil is involved either in production, script writing, editing or acting.
What’s the benefit of working with Young Film Academy rather than just making films in-house?
YFA bring a professional but fun packed three days. The pupils thoroughly enjoy having an external company coming in to teach them and many go home to google Ed Boase and check out his films!
What is feedback from parents like?
Feedback from parents is always very positive during the week but this feedback becomes high high praise when they see the productions on Oscar night.
Why host an Oscars rather than another kind of event, for instance a leavers’ ball?
It is wonderful to see the pupils celebrating each others films and the atmosphere is always incredibly special with some fantastic “Hollywood worthy” acceptance speeches. It is inclusive for all pupils whereas as a Leavers Ball can be a worst case scenario for some pupils.
What tips would you share with other schools considering their own Oscars Night?
Definitely go for it and if possible go the extra mile to make it extra special…roll out the red carpet!
FAQs
Who decides the nominees/winners?
The school can make it’s own decisions – we’d recommend shortlisting 3-4 nominees in each category so everyone gets a look-in.
You’re looking for a combination of technical skill, original ideas & committed performances… also, is it entertaining?
Young Film Academy can decide winners for you, along with feedback from professional filmmakers. Please contact us about our Awards Night package.
Where do we get statuettes from?
Amazon has lots of good options. There are also plenty of online retailers who supply engraved Oscar-style statuettes. If you don’t have time to source these, we can do it for you as part of our Awards Night package.
What other prizes do you suggest?
Sweets! Goodie bags! Certificates! Many schools pull in favours from parents in the film industry. For example, a leading girls’ school offered the Best Film winners a day at Universal Pictures’ London office. Other prizes have included film premiere tickets, signed posters and merchandise.
Who does the presenting at Awards Night?
Most schools have a host (usually the Deputy Head) and different members of staff presenting awards. Some schools enlist celebrity parents to present Best Film. Young Film Academy can also supply a host for the evening.
What’s the key to a successful Awards Night?
Go big. Make it a truly special night for pupils and parents by laying on an amazing dinner and top-notch presentation of the films and prizes. Many Awards Nights have a fundraising or charity angle. With the high excitement levels of the evening, these can be highly successful.
Are you interested in an Oscars Night?
ABOUT
The ONE DAY FILM SCHOOL
The One Day Film School is developed by Young Film Academy (YFA), the UK’s leading provider of filmmaking courses for 8-18 year olds. Each year, YFA helps over 7500 young people make their first digital films.
