A MINI-SERIES of films about young driver safety made by Bournemouth University’s (BU) production team have been shortlisted for an award.

Commissioned by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to highlight the ‘fatal four’ – speed, distraction, seatbelts, and alcohol and drug use – the four web-films are up for a Series Screen Award at the EVCOM Clarion Awards 2016.

RedBalloon Productions is the professional production arm of the Faculty of Media and Communication at BU and has been producing corporate and broadcast media since 2000.

The films were directed by Ian D. Fleming, who directed popular soap opera Hollyoaks and Disney’s Evermoor Chronicles.

The crew for the project was a mixture of MA media and communication students and graduates, including Clemens Majunke, Bren Sendon, Vitor Vilela, and BA (Hons) TV and media production students.

The films also featured a range of young drama students from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), Guildford School of Acting (GSA), and Dramatic Productions Casting Agency.

Stephanie Farmer, executive producer at RedBalloon Productions, said the team developed their ideas around the use of the selfie and social media in order to give the films an authenticity young people could relate to.

“Following a series of harrowing fatalities involving young drivers, [we] were approached by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to make a series of films that would raise awareness of the ‘fatal four’.

“Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service particularly wanted a series of films that didn't involve blood and gore, which has been shown not to be effective.”

She added: “We deliberately didn't feature authority figures such as parents or police but instead have tried to help young people think about the consequences of their actions on their friendship groups - how would you feel if you killed your best friend?

"We also tried to make it a positive call to action - how can you help keep your friends safe? They can do this by spreading the message and sharing the films through social media.”

MA cinematography student Brendan Senden worked as a grip on the young driver videos. He said it was a “great way” to apply what he was learning at university in a professional context and on an interesting project Award winners will be named at the event, which is to be held in Covent Garden on October 7.