(Image: Sunderland University)
North East university students have teamed up with an acclaimed director to bring a breast cancer stage play to the big screen.
T!ts Up!, written by Leah Bell and Alison Stanley, follows three women who meet in an oncology waiting room after breast cancer diagnoses.
The film is Craig Conway’s fourth collaboration with the University of Sunderland, with a fifth project already in development.
Craig Conway said: "I wanted the students to experience the reality of making a feature film and to know that they were not simply there to observe, they were trusted members of the production and of the cast and crew whose work and ideas mattered.
Filming inside the University of Sunderland’s Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute (Image: Sunderland University)
"The university gave us access to invaluable facilities, but more importantly, it helped us bring professional filmmakers and emerging north-east talent together around a story that is funny, honest and deeply human.
"For me, this is what a successful university and industry partnership should look like.
"Students should leave with practical experience, professional contacts and credits, but also with the confidence that they belong in the industry.
Filming inside the University of Sunderland’s Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute (Image: Sunderland University)
"At the same time, independent productions benefit from their ideas, talent and willingness to become fully involved."
The University of Sunderland’s Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute at City Campus provided the clinical and hospital settings for filming.
Students on Screen Performance, Performing Arts and Film and Media Production courses took on supervised roles on set.
Faith Kennedy, 20, a Film Production student, said: "Working on T!ts Up! as the script supervisor really reinforced why I want to work in the film industry.
Filming inside the University of Sunderland’s Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute (Image: Sunderland University)
"I was surrounded by so many talented people, and I learned so much about collaboration, attention to detail, and how to keep up with fast-paced environments.
"I also feel like it gave me the confidence to put myself out there for other opportunities and that I have something meaningful to contribute to the industry.
"I feel honoured to be part of such an impactful project that raises awareness for breast cancer, and I really hope that it resonates with people."
Current students, lecturers and alumni also worked on the production.
Lee Hall, head of the University of Sunderland’s School of Media and Creative Industries, said: "This is another great example of students getting vital real-world access to the screen industries – and it will give them a real leg up.
"The fact this project shines a light on such an important issue through the lens of film and humour makes it an even more valuable experience – and one our students will never forget."
T!ts Up! began as a North East stage play, became a national touring production and was then developed into a feature film.
The film is due for release next spring, with Stephen Tompkinson, Cheryl Fergison, Crissy Rock, Tommy Cannon and Frazer Hines among the cast.
T!ts Up! also supports Macmillan Cancer Support, using its tour to raise awareness of breast cancer and encourage conversations about the disease.