Gavin And Stacey Actress Stars In New Short Film

Gavin and Stacey actress Margaret John takes centre stage in a short film that highlights the role of a new groundbreaking Welsh institute that researches the impact of digital media and technological convergence upon broadcasting.
The 82-year-old, who has also appeared in the Mighty Boosh and Dr Who, plays a digitally excluded grandmother in the five-minute long film, which explains the purpose of the Institute of Advanced Broadcasting (IAB) at the University of Wales, Newport.
The comedy film sees the grandmother, who represents the IAB, round up her extended family to celebrate the birthday of her grandson, played by Cardiff-based comedian, Elis James.
The family members represent a mix of advertisers, broadcasters, distribution platforms and users, who work together with the IAB to take digital convergence to the next level.
The film, which is set against the backdrop of the South Wales Valleys, has been made by Rhys Waters, Nathan Mackintosh and Richard Micklewright. They are all graduates of the University's International Film School Wales and now run South Wales-based film production company Zipline Creative.
Rhys explained: "Zipline Creative was commissioned by the University to make the film to highlight the role of the Institute and its place in the digital landscape.
"We've used the grandmother bringing her family together as a simple way of getting the message across.
"Margaret was great fun to work with and is very switched on when it comes to digital technology - she attended filming complete with laptop."
The film will be shown for the first time at the official launch of the IAB on May 11 at London's Canary Wharf. It will take place during a FREE three day event called Creative Capital which has been organised by the University to encourage businesses to use fresh thinking and creativity to break out of the recession.
The event will be held in the spectacular arched glass atrium of East Wintergarden and will feature an exciting programme of interactive workshops, launches, work from the latest fashion and photography talent and sessions with senior industry figures.
Registration is essential for all Creative Capital events. Further information is available at: www.creative-capital.co.uk.
(KMcA/BMcC)