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York graduate secures role on BBC One drama series

Posted on 23 March 2012

A recent University of York graduate has got his career off to a flying start by landing himself a behind-the-scenes role on the hotly anticipated flagship BBC One drama series The Syndicate.

Kay Mellor with Jeff Hudson

Jeff Hudson, who graduated from the University last year with a Masters degree in Post-Production with Sound Design, is back in York for six weeks working on the new five-part series which charts the fortunes of a syndicate winning the lottery.

Written by Kay Mellor, The Syndicate stars Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew in Harry Potter), Joanna Page (Gavin & Stacey) and Matthew McNulty (E4’s Misfits) as supermarket employees whose lives are transformed by a £18 million win.

The Other Planet Media Ltd chose to carry out the sound side of its post-production work for the series at Heslington Studios, the commercial arm of the University of York’s Department of Theatre, Film and Television.

As part of the Heslington Studios facilities hire package, Jeff Hudson is acting as a dubbing assistant and foley mixer (recording sound effects along with the picture). He is gaining valuable training and experience working alongside freelance dubbing mixer Lynne Hegarty.

He said: “When I graduated last year I didn’t expect for one minute that I would ever be this lucky. Getting the chance to work on something this high-profile is a fantastic opportunity. I’ve learned a lot from working with Lynne, who is always really helpful and keen to get me involved in everything.

“Not only am I gaining experience, but I’m also making useful contacts for the future. Hopefully working on The Syndicate will help me achieve my ambition of working as a dubbing mixer with a post-production house – it’s certainly going to be at the top of my CV!”

Getting the chance to work on something this high-profile is a fantastic opportunity

Jeff Hudson

Jeff Hudson did his Masters degree in the University’s superb new £30 million Theatre, Film and Television building, which was officially opened last year. Completed to the latest industry standard specification, it was designed to provide opportunities for commercial partnerships with production companies.

“Doing the course at York meant I learned about post-production on top-end equipment,” said Jeff Hudson. “It’s great to be back using it again and furthering my skills.”     

Heslington Studios is wholly owned by the University of York and boasts two HD broadcast TV studios, a 140-seat preview cinema, a multi-purpose sound stage, as well as superb sound and picture post-production facilities.

Carole Dove, Commercial Director for Heslington Studios, said: “The University’s industry links through Heslington Studios are providing some fantastic opportunities for York students. A number of our recent top-level graduates are gaining valuable industry experience working on feature film and broadcast TV productions.”

The first episode of The Syndicate will be broadcast on BBC1 on Tuesday, 27 March at 9pm. 

Notes to editors:

  • Photos of Jeff Hudson and Kay Mellor at work at Heslington Studios are available from the University of York Press Office: pressoffice@york.ac.uk or 01904 322029.
  • The Department of Theatre, Film and Television is one of four major academic buildings in the first phase of the University’s £750 million campus extension at Heslington East, one of the biggest capital developments in UK higher education in recent years. Its development was supported by investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in Yorkshire and the Humber, part of a major infrastructure project led by Science City York to extend the assets and strategic potential of York as a leading centre for science and innovation. More information at www.york.ac.uk/tftv

Contact details

Caron Lett
Press Officer

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