AFTER taking home three out of four awards last year, the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Farnham has hosted the Bill Vinten Guild of Television Cameramen (GTC) University awards in its James Hockey Gallery.

Described as a “red carpet for cinematographers” by UCA’s course leader for BA (Hons) Film Production Claire Barwell, this year’s award ceremony was the first since the passing of GTC’s founder member Dick Hibberd, whose hometown was Farnham.

VIP guest and Oscar winner Billy Williams BSC OBE spoke of his experiences as a cinematographer at the event. The audience laughed as he told tales and showed clips of his acting debut, and seemed to be captivated by his stories.

Third year UCA student Tomas Frigstad’s film, ‘Deep Pan Fury’, was shortlisted for this year’s awards.

“All credit to anyone who was nominated,” said UCA film production co-ordinator Linda McLaughlan. “It’s a really strong field, and so brilliant for the industry. Let’s get more women involved. I’m looking forward to next year’s awards, where hopefully there’ll be more women nominated.”

In 2014, UCA won the overall Bill Vinten GTC University award and two UCA graduates, Daniel O’Flaherty and Tom Read both received runner-up awards for individual excellence.

Speaking about the event, UCA’s Claire Barwell said: “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and appreciate the venue and above all the talk by Billy Williams, a truly inspirational cinematographer who tells stories with pictures and delights and entertains us all with his wit and wisdom.

“We are proud that we were given the honour of hosting the event by winning the Bill Vinten GTC University Award for the Teaching of Cinematography in 2014.”