The Television Workshop is currently working with our Film Production Degree students on a documentary celebrating 40 years of the Television Workshop. As part of this project, a small Confetti film crew, comprised of final year students, got the chance to interview Television Workshop alumna, Bella Ramsey, star of the new hit TV show, The Last of Us.
Nottingham actress, Bella Ramsey, is a shining example of the Television Workshop’s success in training young actors for a career in the screen industries. The Television Workshop is a BAFTA-award winning drama group and TV casting resource with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. Bella joins the ranks of other successful female leads to have come out of the Workshop, including the Golden Globe award-winning, Samantha Morton, the BAFTA-winning Vicky McClure, and the Empire Award-winning, Felicity Jones, to name a few!
Bella secured herself a place at the Television Workshop when she was just 10 years old and has been acting since she was 4. With a BAFTA Children’s Award already under her belt and a slew of screen credits to her name, most notably the role of Lyanna Mormont in the HBO fantasy drama series, Game of Thrones, 19-year old Bella is now the lead on one of the biggest shows on TV, HBO’s post-apocalyptic zombie drama The Last of Us.
The Last of Us
After a global pandemic destroys civilization, The Last of Us tells the story of Joel, played by co-star Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian), a hardened survivor who takes charge of 14-year-old girl, Ellie (played by Ramsey), humanity’s last hope. Based on the 2013 video game developed by Naughty Dog, the show has received rave reviews on Rotten Tomatoes including a 96% fresh rating with critics and an 89% audience score.
In the build up to the final episode of the current series of The Last of Us airing on UK TV on Monday 13 March, a small Confetti film crew got the chance to film and interview Bella for a documentary celebrating 40 years of the Television Workshop. Executive Artistic Director, Ali Rashley, has been working with our Film Production tutors and students on the documentary and several short films for their upcoming birthday event, she said:
“The crew working on the documentary with us have been incredible. So professional and an absolute joy to work with. They’ve exceeded every expectation that we had. I cannot wait to see the completed project” – Ali Rashley
Final year BSc (Hons) Film Production Technology student, James Plumb led the group who interviewed Ramsey, speaking on their experience, he added:
“It’s been a real pleasure working on the 40th anniversary docufilm with Ali for TV Workshop. It’s been great finding out about the workshop’s history and place in the community, and producing the project has given me the opportunity to interview some amazing contributors such as Bella Ramsey and Shane Meadows. I’m really excited to share the finished product with the world!”
Confetti and the Television Workshop
We’ve had a relationship with the Television Workshop for many years, during which time we’ve hosted several of their events at our venues and numerous Confetti students have worked behind the scenes on their productions. Likewise, the Television Workshop has provided talent for our students’ projects, particularly our Live and Technical Events, Film, TV and VFX courses.
In the same way that the Television Workshop has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion through keeping fees affordable and offering places purely on the basis of talent, we believe the best educational opportunities must be open to people from all backgrounds. More than a third of Nottingham Confetti students are drawn from what we call a widening participation area. Together, we are working hard to level the playing field for young creative talent in Nottingham.
Speaking on the importance of the Television Workshop to the wider community, our Chief Executive, Craig Chettle MBE said:
“I think the sheer number of actors and on-screen talent that has been produced over the past 40 years is incredible!
“From the BAFTA-winning Vicky McClure to the Golden Globe Award-winning Samantha Morton, not to mention veteran soap-actor, Chris Gascoyne, and Bella Ramsay, a rising star that’s recently broke through with roles in Game of Thrones and The Last of Us.
“The Television Workshop alumni have put Nottingham on the map and helped bring inward investment to the city.
“From a wider community point of view, they provide vital access to the screen industries for all young people, including equal representation for women, and especially people from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Our Head of Talent Development, Alison Whitlock, regularly meets with Ali and the Workshop team to develop ideas and get projects off the ground. Together they share talent and resources to enrich our students learning experiences. Asked for her thoughts on the value of Workshop to the region and the experiences it provides Confetti students, she said:
“The Television Workshop is intrinsically important to the DNA of Nottingham – it’s absolutely imperative that we celebrate it and champion it.
“Through our collaborations, students develop skills not only in their course disciplines but also professional skills, which help prepare them for careers in industry.
“It’s a fantastic resource for young people and I’m sure it will continue for many years to come!”
Are you interested in studying BSc (Hons) Film Production Technology, and getting hands-on work experience as part of your studies? Book onto an Open Day to find out more about all the opportunities on offer here at Confetti.
