A team of innovative filmmakers from the University of York has achieved remarkable success at the Royal Television Society Student Awards. Their documentary, HUNT, won the Best Factual (long form) category and garnered individual accolades for cinematography, sound, editing, directing, and producing. The film highlights Freddie Hunt's journey toward tranquility through farming and nature conservation, departing from his father James Hunt's high-speed Formula 1 legacy. Directed by Thalia Saleh and produced by David Merritt, this student project stood out among competitors from various universities across Yorkshire and Humber.

HUNT: A Journey Through Legacy and Nature

In the vibrant season of autumn, a group of students from the School of Arts and Creative Technologies embarked on an ambitious endeavor that culminated in their masterpiece, HUNT. This compelling documentary delves into Freddie Hunt's life as he transitions from the whirlwind world of motorsport to embrace a serene existence amidst Scotland's picturesque countryside. Over several months, from November to May, these young talents meticulously crafted every aspect of the production, including pre-production planning, shooting, and post-production editing. Notable contributors included Charlie Ord for cinematography, Ed Shaw for editing, Alex Weir for sound design, alongside Saleh and Merritt leading the creative vision.

The film received widespread acclaim not only for its technical brilliance but also for its storytelling depth. Judges praised it highly, comparing its quality favorably to professional broadcasts like Sky Sports. Such recognition underscores the exceptional skill level attained by these budding artists under the guidance of dedicated faculty members such as Lorianne Hall.

Director Thalia Saleh expressed immense pride in her team’s accomplishment while acknowledging fellow winners’ talents during the ceremony held earlier this year. Similarly, Matt Brannan, head of Film & Television at ACT, echoed sentiments of admiration towards the students' dedication and excellence.

Following regional triumphs, the HUNT team advances to compete nationally at London's prestigious RTS National Student TV Awards in June 2025.

Through perseverance and passion, these students exemplify how educational programs can foster creativity leading to real-world achievements.

This achievement serves as a testament to what collaborative effort combined with mentorship can achieve within academic settings. It inspires aspiring filmmakers everywhere to pursue their dreams relentlessly despite challenges they may encounter along the way.