A talented Northampton filmmaker has won a prestigious award recognising new talent as he prepares to launch his career in the industry.

Simeon Kelly, aged 21, has just completed a degree in Filmmaking and Screenwriting at the University of Worcester, where he received the Robert Burley Memorial Award for New Talent in Filmmaking.

Simeon has already secured a job as a video editor and videographer for a creative marketing agency, working on studio shoots, lighting, camera operation and editing.

He said receiving the award had strengthened his belief in his abilities as he takes his first steps into the industry.

“It means the most to me, to be acknowledged by those who have far greater experience and ability, and whose achievements I hope to strive towards,” Simeon said.

“I couldn’t be more grateful to receive this award.”

Simeon said his time at university allowed him to work alongside other creatives and filmmakers and develop his abilities as a storyteller.

He regularly used industry-standard equipment during his studies, while also using The Hive library to develop screenplays and ideas for his films.

“My time in Worcester has prepared me far more than I could have expected when entering university,” he said.

Simeon hopes the award will help him develop his career further, with an ambition ultimately to create his own narrative feature films.

He said: “I hope this award will give people confidence in me that I care about filmmaking and allow me to develop my own narrative feature films in the future.

“It’s incredibly helpful as an external endorsement that helps demonstrate my worth and ability within the medium.”

Simeon also paid tribute to the friends and family who supported him and collaborated with him during his studies.

“Everyone close to me was extremely proud to learn of my award, especially those who I had collaborated with on the way to receiving the award, who I couldn’t have achieved it without,” he said.

Simeon received his degree and award during graduation ceremonies at Worcester Cathedral from September 8 to 10.

Professor Sally Moyle, deputy vice chancellor of the University of Worcester, said the university was “incredibly proud” of graduates who had been recognised with awards for going above and beyond during their studies.