Culture Shock Project Looking for More Stories From People in the North East

CultureShock is an exciting project which is hoping to collect  1000 digital stories from people all over the North East with the number currently at 400.

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New Moon Book Review

New Moon is the second instalment of the international bestselling Twilight saga book series by Stephanie Meyer.

To recap – Twilight is narrated by 17-year-old Bella Swan. She encapsulates us through her journey of falling in love with the dreamy Edward Cullen, who happens to be a ‘vegetarian’ vampire. Read more

Eternal Twilight Convention

As he slid the photo closer to him with the post-it of my name attached, he said “ah, that, is a cool name!” I felt my heart flutter…Dr Peter ‘Carlisle Cullen’ Facinelli liked my name!

To think that only a few months ago I was reading the book, Twilight. Then I watched the film. And now I’m looking straight ahead at a stage with five directors’ chairs and a huge Twilight banner at a convention in Northampton about to be joined by the cast. Read more

Meet Channel 4 news’ Jon Snow

Media students are being given the opportunity to meet Channel 4 news presenter Jon Snow and  judge an award. Read more

Slumdog success gets mixed reaction in India

Slumdog Millionaire took eight Oscars at Sunday’s ceremony but its roaring success has provoked mixed feelings in the Indian media.

Its use of the word “slumdog”, in particular, has provoked fury in some Indians who claim it portrays a negative stereotype of their homes. Simon Beaufoy, the film’s screenwriter, said: “I just made up the word. I liked the idea. I didn’t mean to offend anyone.” Read more

Deserved success for Benjamin Button

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button scooped three oscars at the 81st Annual Academy Awards and stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett alongside a brilliant cast. Read more

And The Oscar Goes To . . .

After 12 months of epic movies, highly acclaimed performances by big names in big movies and endless queues by eager film fans, the time has once again come to roll out the illustrious red carpet. Read more

Are you a traditional Valentine?

If red roses, love hearts and chocolates are what come to mind when you think of Valentines Day, then this year has much more to offer. Read more

Lord Puttnam inspires Sunderland students

With BAFTA news dominating the world of film and entertainment, Wearside’s own “Local Hero” Lord David Puttnam was in the region this week accepting a very different type of award from the University of Sunderland.

The Media Centre at St Peter’s Campus has been renamed “The David Puttnam Media Centre” in honour of the respected film producer whose contributions to the British Film Industry are matched by his commitment to the university.

”Sunderland is as good a place if not possibly better than most in terms of finding types of talent that will create the British Film Industry of 2020,” the former chancellor said.

”There is no reason why we shouldn’t have four other Ridley Scotts living and working in the region as a result of this university and its facilities and resources.”

Lord Puttnam was chancellor of the university for 10 years before taking up the same office for the Open University. He hopes to broaden and extend nationally what he feels was achieved at Sunderland: “We tried to create opportunities for people and for the region to give the region confidence and self belief. I think we did a good job in that direction.”

”We are getting much better at tailoring to the individual needs, playing to students’ strengths as opposed to criticising their weaknesses,” he added.

“The world of education is going through a metamorphosis which will mean that it is better equipped to deal with the challenges of the 21st century.”

Despite retiring from the film industry, Lord Puttnam still loves cinema and managed to watch 23 movies over 22 days during his recent Christmas break.

But, commenting on the current awards season, he said: “I don’t miss the excitement of the awards ceremonies. I had 30 happy years but the challenges that I have now are more absorbing than anything that I found in the film industry. I am certainly not taking the soft option.”

Lord Puttnam was replaced by Olympic athlete Steve Cram as Chancellor of Sunderland University.

Multimedia Journalist - Setting up your camera

Media Production student David Kirby has eight simple tips for the aspiring multimedia journalist. David is 20-years-old, from Middlesbrough, and hopes one day to step into the shoes of  Sir David Attenborough. He enjoys script-writing and is currently at work on a sit-com script. Read more

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