A recent University of Staffordshire graduate has picked up a Royal Television Society (RTS) award for a film made as his final year project.
Owen Nettle scooped the Craft Writing prize for his short film Remember When at the RTS Midlands Student Awards 2026, held in Birmingham, which celebrates emerging talent.
The film was made while studying BA (Hons) Film Production at the university and follows two siblings who reminisce about better times when their mother is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Owen said: “I made this film with the intention of conveying how, despite the luxuries we get to enjoy nowadays with modern technology, it shouldn’t mean that we should live our entire lives through a camera or phone lens.”
He added: “It is a tremendous honour to have won an award like this. I was never someone who had any trophies displayed in their bedroom growing up, so to secure one not just in filmmaking but in a category like this is an amazing feeling!”
Since graduating, Owen has launched his own production company with support from University of Staffordshire’s Be Inspired business scheme.
Fellow University of Staffordshire graduate Tom Millington was also recognised at the awards. His documentary Just Get Faster – about twins Alex and Ben Wood and their passion for competitive sports – was nominated in the Factual category. Tom now works for creative agency Dissident in Stone.
Colin Mottram, Course Leader for BA (Hons) Film Production, said: “We were absolutely delighted to receive two nominations at this year’s Royal Television Society Awards.
“I’m really proud of Owen and Tom, they have both worked incredibly hard to achieve this success, putting their heart and soul into their filmmaking projects and now are reaping the rewards.
“Recognition by the RTS’s judging panel of industry professionals is testament to the high calibre of work the students have produced.”
