Prince William hung out with budding filmmakers at the London Screen Academy in Islington, to learn about film and TV production, and was quick on the mark when questioned about costumes.
Touring the academy, William, president of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), took part in the filming of ‘Melomania’, set in a dystopian future where music is banned.
When the Prince visited the costume department, William 42, saw outfits created for the film and was shown a punk outfit that featured a long chain draped over the head which attached to a belt worn over a tartan top.
In a 10-worded quip in response to being asked if he would wear the outfit, the Prince replied: “You know, I might do… Saturday night out? Why not.”
In the specialist sixth-form college, around 900 students learn every aspect of film and television production. William was also shown a hair and make-up room where students learn prosthetics and special effects.
William said he had seen the prosthetics used in The Last of Us, a TV series with zombies. He said: “I watched a bit of it but then I realised that it was quite full on.”
Hannah Wing, the academy’s hair and make-up teacher, demonstrated how to create a fake scar by trying one on the Prince’s hand. She had checked in advance of the royal visit that he didn’t have any allergies.
“Do you want to have a go at putting some of this on yourself?” she asked William. “It just needs to dry and then you stretch your skin and create a scar.” William took a whiff and said: “It’s quite a punchy smell.”
Sitting down with executives, including co-founders Lisa Bryer and Tim Bevan, William was told that more than half of sixth-form students in the UK expressed an interest in working in film and television but facts show only one in five believed it was possible.
William asked: “How early in the pipeline of someone’s life do you have to expose them to the idea that they can be in the film industry?”
He was informed that the academy takes young people aged 16-18 from across London. The school also offers a foundation course, where students can stay for a third year instead of going straight on to university or work.
Tim Bevan, who has produced My Beautiful Laundrette, Atonement and Blitz, said 20 students from the academy had been working on the new Bridget Jones film, Mad About The Boy, which is made by Working Title Films.
Bevan said: “Having the prince visit the school is a dream for us to get the word out about the school, to encourage young people to apply, for young people to see that this is a viable and real opportunity.”
