It's a mini adventure for Coventry University students

Media production undergraduates at Coventry University have been putting their film-making skills to the test in a different kind of sport-themed endeavour this summer.

Two student film companies – the Blue Ridge Film Group and Clever Lens Media – from the University’s Department of Media recently joined forces with the Sytner Group to create a series of short films relating to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Pole-vaulting ace Steve Lewis, triathlete Jodie Stimpson, discus thrower Dan Greaves and synchronised swimming star Yvette Baker each make an appearance in the films, one of which was shot at the MIRA test facility in Nuneaton using a range of MINIs from the Sytner Group’s Midlands dealerships.

Professional stunt drivers were used for a series of high-performance driving scenes, which were designed in their entirety by the students. Swimmer Yvette Baker is seen posing as a skilled driver, gracefully spinning her MINI into a tight space between two cars in perfect synchronisation with another MINI.

The students originally came up with the creative pitch for the films earlier this year, and – having impressed the Sytner Group’s marketing team with their ideas – began shooting in April.

Pete Woodbridge, senior lecturer in open media at Coventry University, said:

For the students involved, this was a fantastic and exciting opportunity to work on a challenging project with a sports and automotive theme. They impressed everyone involved with their creativity in coming up with a narrative for the films which linked the athletes’ elite performance with the performance of the vehicles.

It’s a testament to the professionalism and entrepreneurial instincts of our students that, having set up their own companies, they can still work together on projects to deliver high quality results.

Malcolm Chambers, dealer principal at Sytner Oldbury, said:

The project has been extremely interesting and rewarding, and we have worked with some very talented students from Coventry University. From our initial meeting through to seeing the completed video, I’ve been impressed with their ‘can do’ attitude and genuine desire to create a bespoke piece of work. I hope the students have enjoyed their time as much as we have. All in all, it’s been very enjoyable and worthwhile.

The films are available to view on the Sytner Group’s YouTube channel, including the 'MINI adventure' video below. Click for information on Coventry University’s BA (Hons) course in Media Production.