Colchester filmmakers win at Smiley Charity Film Awards

Dan Hugo and Sarah Drage won the Gold People’s Choice trophy at the Smiley Charity Film Awards.

They had nominated for making a film about the Streets2Homes charity based in Harlow, which provides accommodation and wellbeing support for vulnerable homeless people in Essex.

The filmmakers, who run the company Outline Media Productions based in Clacton, said they are delighted to have made a film that highlights how the charity works tirelessly to get homeless people back on their feet.

“We're thrilled to have won this award at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square,” added Dan.

“Especially at such a prestigious event. It meant so much to us as a small business, but also for Streets2Homes to receive much deserved recognition. Sarah had to double take when we were read out as winners by the iconic voice of Alan Dedicoat - the well-known voice of the National Lottery commercials.

“People say this event is the Oscars of charity film awards, which makes it even more special for us. It's been running for quite a few years now and is backed by major companies, such as TikTok, BFI and IMDB. I would say it's up there with the Royal Television Society Awards!”

More than 800 people attended the event, including a number of high-profile celebrities, such as comedian Tom Allen, who hosted the awards ceremony and presents The Apprentice: You’re Fired on the BBC.

Sarah said most people appreciated the film because the stories were about real people’s lives, which helped them to understand how easily it is to suddenly become homeless.

She said: “People loved the honesty of the residents and how they were given a platform to tell their stories of escalating problems, such as addiction. Their perspectives helped to explain how homelessness can happen to anyone, even normal people, which helped to breakdown a few stereotypes.

“However, in the competition, we were up against some other incredible films produced by huge teams of people. To have won an award for a film that was produced by just the two of us is amazing.”

Dan also added this award proves that filmmakers in Essex are definitely making films of a national standard these days.

He added: “We hold ourselves to the highest standard. No matter who the client is, we always put our most positive attitude and creative brains into it. We believe anything can be showcased well with this kind of determined approach. I also think Essex is such an up-and-coming place for filmmaking and production.

"With a film receiving an award like this, it really contributes to putting Essex on the map in terms of being able to deliver high-standard, top tier content. Personally, we're very proud to represent Essex in our work.”

Sarah said it has given them the confidence to make more films like this.

She said: “We would really like to bring this level of production to other charities and businesses across Essex too, even throughout the country. It has given us the belief that we can truly tell people's stories authentically, which is what our ethos is all about.”

As well as setting their sights on creating new films and documentaries in the future, including a new series about the lives of people at Streets2Homes, they are excited about launching their new training programme for people who want to break into the industry.

Dan and Sarah already work frequently with students from the Colchester Institute, providing them with free hands-on training and the use of sophisticated camera equipment. This often leads to the students being paid industry rates to work with Sarah and Dan on local projects.

Their success with previous students has led to the college asking Sarah and Dan to join the board of advisors for the media course, to make sure the curriculum meets industry standards.

“We’re both alumni of the course, so we were really honoured to be asked to join the board.” added Sarah.

If you would like to find out more about how Sarah and Dan can help you with in the future, visit: https://outline-media.co.uk/charities.