Institute students showcase special effects work

THIS talented bunch had a special effect on spectators at their end-of-year show.

The first intake of the Grimsby Institute's special effect makeup design for film, TV and theatre degree showcased their work in their last show before graduating.

With scarily realistic models of demons, shark-ravaged surfers and alien monsters, it was clear their three years of work has paid off.

One graduate, Samantha McCabe, 29, has landed a dream job as apprentice to Neil Gorton, who worked on the special effects team for Doctor Who, Being Human and Little Britain. Programme leader Tee Webb is proud of his eight students – 50 per cent of whom achieved first class honours for their practical examination.

He said: "It has been a fantastic success.

"They have worked incredibly hard.

"They have worked six days a week for 28 weeks and it has paid off.

"We have seen high realism, to fantasy pieces and they are geared up to be employed, which is what the course is all about."

Samantha, who has worked as Neil Gorton's apprentice for six months at Truro, Cornwall, showcased Incubus Demon, inspired by the common fears people share.

She said: "I am really pleased with how it came out.

"I put in a lot of effort in every single project I did, plus we did a module looking at CV writing and how to sell ourselves, which helped me get the job."

The course is one of four in the country, and the only one which is industry accredited.

Demi Wallwork, 21, exhibited a sculpted model of the head of conjoined babies.

She said: "It has been a really good three years; long and hard but worth it.

"It has given me the skills to be able to go out and do it for the industry."

Kirsty Batley, 25, showed her model of an alien made from vines, and plans to find work in Sydney, Australia.

She said: "I am happy with how it has gone.

"It is a pretty competitive industry to get into but ours was workshop-based, which has got us used to what a working day would be like.

"I feel prepared for the future."