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News release

25 February 2011 - NR 10/11

Local film producer awarded

A 29-year-old up-and-coming film producer was awarded for her dedication to health and safety at an awards ceremony in London last night.

Emma Lamont developed an “imaginative, fantastic” health and safety plan when shooting her film, For Megan, said the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

As well as an award for best health and safety plan, Emma scooped a £1,000 cash prize from the Institution at the annual National Film and Television School’s award ceremony.

For Megan was filmed in Penrhys and in Maerdy, South Wales, and was created by Emma as part of her Producing MA.

Written and directed by Andrea Harkin, the short film tells the story of a teenage girl who follows her best friend into unknown territory and soon finds herself out of her depth.

Emma, from Surbiton, Surrey, said: “I am delighted to have picked up the award from IOSH for the film’s health and safety plan.

“Health and safety is designed to protect everyone on the crew and it’s part of the producer’s role to make sure that happens – really, health and safety is an integral part of the film industry.

“People give a lot of their time and skill, often for free on a short film, so the least we can do is look after them and make them feel valued. At the same time, having boundaries shouldn't mean we inhibit imagination or avoid taking risks, with planning there's no reason you can't come up with a creative solution to any problem or concern.”

Chris Stops, Chair of IOSH’s Thames Valley Branch, sponsors of the National Film and Television School’s health and safety award, said: “After considering the eight films that were produced this year it was clear that Emma’s film was the best from a health and safety angle.

“Filming in derelict areas of South Wales, with young cast members, often in the dark is a real challenge for anyone’s health and safety plan. Emma used her imagination and integrated safety management issues with all other aspects of the film’s production.

“You only have to look at the quality of the film that was produced by Emma and her team to see the fantastic impact forward planning and realistic health and safety can have.”

The National Film and Television School prides itself in preparing students for the world of film and television, and over its past 40 years in operation, has seen a number of industry names through the door including: Nick Park (Wallace and Gromit), Roger Deakins (Shawshank Redemption) and Steve Lawrence (Harry Potter).

Zlata Hume, Studio Manager at the National Film and Television School, said: “Emma has proved herself to be a fantastic producer and her passion for the safety and health of all those involved in the production of the film was openly apparent.

“Health and safety should be integrated into the production of any film whether it be action, thriller or documentary.”

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Notes for editors:

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.

We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.