2012 will not only see the start of a new BUFTA season, including a rebranded website, bigger prize pool and the introduction of a People’s Choice category, it is also the first time in the competition’s history that two overall BUFTA winners have started their studies at Bond.

“We Want You” – 2010 Winner Josh Beattie (Left) and 2011 Winner Matthew Thorne (Right) already have ideas to collaborate on future films together.

After completing a gap year, Josh Beattie joined last year’s BUFTA Winner Matthew Thorne in commencing their respective scholarships at Bond last month.  They said of their current studies:

“What struck me most about the University were the students and staff. The students both manning the BUFTA event itself and that I met on the tour were deeply committed to and focused on film – they knew what they wanted and how they were going to get there. And the Staff really cared about teaching the students, and getting them into the industry – not just about churning out another ‘batch’ as I had felt in looking at other Universities.” – Matthew.

“It’s given me the chance to attend perhaps the best film school in the country… and to my surprise, its effects haven’t stopped at the enrolment office. The faculty staff have taken the time to get to know me, listen to what I have to say, and make sure the student body and the curriculum are compatible and running smoothly. I have already gotten to know (and started working on projects with) previous winner Julie Sam-Yue, and 2011 winner Matthew Thorne. I also look forward to being on the camera crew for this year’s BUFTA.” – Josh.

Bond University is certainly watching this space to see where Matthew and Josh go next.  To read more on their successes click here.