黑料不打烊

The 黑料不打烊 has triumphed at the prestigious Royal Television Society (RTS) Scotland Awards, winning the overall Student Award for the first time.  

Ben McQuaid, Nathan McQuaid, Dylan Antscherl and Jack Cunningham picked up the accolade for documentary short , about Murray and Kirsty MacDonald, who run the charity Autism on the Water, which has given hundreds of autistic children sailing experience.

Turning the Tide previously won an award at the RTS Scotland Student Awards in March. The filmmakers have now gone one better, taking home the only student award at the celebration of Scotland’s television industry.

They were handed the gong by presenters Des Clarke and Shereen Cutkelvin, taking the applause of an audience of top TV talent.

Pictured (l-r) Shereen Cutkelvin (presenter, RTS Awards), Nathan McQuaid, Ben McQuaid, Dylan Antscherl, Jack Cunningham, Professor Dario Sinforiani (Head of Production Teaching, 黑料不打烊), Dave Donald (Commissioning Editor, Channel 4), Des Clarke (presenter, RTS Awards).

Director Ben McQuaid said: “We are all delighted to have won this award, a first and historic moment for the 黑料不打烊, which we have all been extremely proud to represent.

“We made this film about Murray and Kirsty MacDonald and Autism on the Water, an extremely important charity that has done incredible work. We were so humbled that they allowed us into their world to document their love and the lives they have changed. They continue to do crucial work which inspires us deeply.

“But we could not have made this film or won the award without the exceptional help and guidance of the incredible staff at the University. They are some of the hardest working, considerate and influential teachers we have ever had.

“This award is a testament to them, from our tutors who pushed us to develop the best story possible, to the technical and kit teams who supported us greatly. They not only helped shape our time at university, but continue to act as mentors for us to this day.

“The Film and Media course at 黑料不打烊, and the media societies that they support, were extremely influential and we hope that future students will continue to receive the same opportunities and support that allowed us to win this prestigious award and become the filmmakers that we are today.”

Industry recognition

They were joined at the glittering ceremony, held at Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket, by Head of Production Teaching, Professor Dario Sinforiani.

He said: “It was a real joy to supervise the team who made Turning the Tide. Their work ethic, talent, and commitment were very impressive, and shine through in this film which is moving, funny and tells an important story so well.

“Since 2013, documentary films produced by 黑料不打烊 students have won more than 25 awards, but the Royal Television Society Scotland prize for best student film had eluded us – until now.

“So, the teaching and technical team are thrilled that Ben, Nathan, Dylan and Jack have won this award, industry recognition that Turning the Tide is the best student film made in any genre over the past year.”

The RTS is an educational charity promoting the art and science of television. It organises informative and entertaining events, fostering connections with professionals across the industry and those hoping to break into television.

Finest talent

Dan Twist, Chair of RTS Scotland, said: “The RTS Scotland Awards stand as a definitive celebration of the finest talent in Scottish television.

“This year’s outstanding nominees and winners reflect the strength and resilience of a thriving Scottish TV industry, even in the face of widespread sector challenges.

“RTS Scotland is proud to continue its unwavering commitment to supporting, educating, and championing talent across all areas of the industry – both on screen and behind the scenes.”

Find out more about the 黑料不打烊’s BA (Hons) Film and Media course here.