22nd Aug 2007 - Ship ahoy me hearties - student lands dream opportunity

A budding young film animator from rural Lanarkshire has attracted the attention of Glasgow tourism chiefs. 17 year-old Jillian Doig, currently a student at Motherwell College, has been commissioned to produce an animated short feature film, which will be shown in the visitor centre at The Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour - a tourist attraction, which welcomes visitors from around the globe.

Jillian, from Coulter, near Biggar in South Lanarkshire will start work on the project this month and the film is due to be completed in June 2008.

Jillian is currently undertaking an HND in Filmcraft and Animation at the College - a course which covers all aspects of creating 2D and 3D animation for television, cinema, the games industry and the internet.

Jillian said: "This is an amazing opportunity that will be equally challenging and rewarding. It will give me the chance to experience the many factors involved in working to a commercial client's brief. Over the last year throughout my HNC, animation has become my passion - which I hope to pursue as a career. I am extremely dedicated to this course and the work opportunity I have been offered."

Lisa Massey, Museum Education Officer at the Tall Ship said: "Jillian has been commissioned to produce an educational animated short film featuring the ship's resident cat Jock. The animation will be aimed primarily at children in their early years and aims to introduce them to various aspects of the tall ship and it's history. This film will play part of our ongoing education programme at the Tall Ship".

David McShane, Motherwell College's Head of Department for Creative Arts, Media and Design said "This is a wonderful opportunity for Jillian and I am delighted her talents have been recognised. Many of our students are being commissioned to undertake work before they even complete their studies demonstrating the level of talent we are currently witnessing and helping develop at the College".

"We are always keen to support students in this type of project as hands on practical experience cannot be beaten. I look forward to seeing Jock being brought to life at the Tall Ship next summer".

Motherwell College is one of Scotland's leading providers of training in filmcraft and animation with students travelling from throughout the UK and beyond to undertake courses at the College. Places are still available on some courses starting this year. For more information contact the college on 01698 232425.

For more information on the Tall Ship call 0141 222 2513 or visit www.thetallship.com