Newport Students' Work On BBC4 Documentary

Animation students at Newport University are looking forward to seeing their work featured across the UK on BBC FOUR next week, after completing an exciting collaboration with BBC Cymru Wales.
The Children who built Victorian Britain (Tuesday 1st Feb 9pm, BBC Four) uncovers new evidence about the lives of British child workers during the industrial revolution.
Newport students worked with staff from the BBC Cymru Wales Graphic Design department to produce a fresh and creative take on the challenge of illustrating historic experiences prior to the age of photography. The animations illustrate the testimonies of child workers across Britain during the industrial age.
Caroline Parsons, Programme Leader in Animation at the International Film School Wales, part of the University of Wales, Newport said: "This collaboration allowed our students to work with some of the most creative and professional animation teams in Britain.
"It is exceptionally challenging to document very moving testimonies from an age when technology did not allow a permanent record to be kept.
"By using a wide variety of animation techniques, we were able to provide a visual interpretation which I believe did more justice to the stories being told than ever could have been achieved with the use of actors," she said.
Christina Macaulay, Executive Producer for BBC Cymru Wales said: "We were delighted to have the chance to work with the Newport students and also some recent graduates from the animation course. Staff from BBC Wales graphics team also did some of the animations.
"It was exciting to be able to let all the animators, students and professionals alike, off the creative leash and see what they came up with.
"The finished film has a real mix of styles and is all the stronger for that.
"We were thrilled with the quality, imagination and creativity that shines through in these animations and are very grateful for the opportunity to work with the Newport students," she commented.
Jenny Hann, Head of Design at University of Wales, Newport added: "It is clear that the creative industries will be one of the big areas of growth for Wales in the coming years. The University is determined to help that growth and provide the skills needed. Forming relationships, like this one with BBC Cymru Wales, is very important in developing the skills we have locally and ensuring that the talent is in place to boost this area of the economy."
(BMcC/GK)