Media students Charina Dela Cruz and Nuran Demir, both 20, are both studying on the BTEC National Diploma in Media Production (Television & Film) at the College of North West London’s Willesden campus.

They will now go forward to the national final on Friday June 18 at the Institute for Creative Enterprise (ICE) at Coventry University. There they will present their ideas live, using visual references and oral skills.

The girls’ success, described as “exciting news”, “great news” and “fantastic” by staff, comes hot on the heels of another School of the Arts success. Performing arts student Kadeem Pearse from CNWL won his live heat in Acting at Nottingham and will be going forward to the national final in Manchester on July 2.

Charina, from Willesden, and Nuran, from Dollis Hill, were entered in the Video - Moving Image category after gaining repeated distinctions in their course work and winning university places.

Charina’s degree at Middlesex University will concentrate on Video and Animation, while Nuran will study Contemporary Media Practice – Photography, Animation & Video at Westminster University.

Their tutor Nigel Lindley said the duo had submitted storyboards, scripts and proposals for a video title sequence for a television drama, using the theme of a scriptwriter of black comedy suffering from writer’s block.

“I was not surprised they won because their title sequence was so very memorable,” said Nigel. “It showed a man on the seashore walking past memories of childhood and love, and being hit with objects from his past, while thinking in strange blow-up speech bubbles.

“It was so haunting and surreal that the idea sticks in your mind. Both these young women are excellent students and brilliant film, video and animation producers who are able to create video that causes an emotional reaction.

“Both Nuran and Charina are excellent at using technology too. They have a great chance of winning nationally because they have a most engaging sense of partnership, and both will be able to imbue their intelligence and creativity with life and energy.”

PICTURE SHOWS:

Charina (left) and Nuran