A director who has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and scooped the most prestigious awards in the film industry has visited a college in Gorleston.
Oscar winner Danny Boyle is known for major award-winning films such as Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire, as well as directing the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
He is currently in the area shooting a new film written by Richard Curtis and on Friday, May 11, he made time to visit students and staff at East Norfolk Sixth Form College, receiving a huge ovation.
More than 600 people packed out the hall to listen to Mr Boyle talk about his latest project, before picking his brains on all manner of topics, including gender equality, the art of film-making and the upcoming challenge of directing a James Bond film.
Film and TV student, Joe Church, quizzed Mr Boyle on his film Trainspotting and whether it was easier to direct a film based on a novel.
Mr Boyle said most people assume it is easier to direct a film using a book as source material, but in reality it is often difficult to include all the elements of the story into a two-hour film, and choosing what to omit can be challenging.
Principal, Dr Catherine Richards, said: “We are so grateful to Danny Boyle for giving us over an hour of his time to speak to students and staff about his current film and a whole range of film and culture related issues.
“This was an amazing experience for everybody involved and the response to the visit has been overwhelming.
“To have someone of Danny’s stature come to the college is a real coup and I know this is one visit that will not be forgotten.”
Earlier in the week, one of the Assistant Directors, Candy Marlowe, visited the college to speak to film and media students about her role and her involvement in other films, passing on a wide range of tips and expertise to the students.
Mr Boyle has already shot a stunt scene on the beach front in Gorleston and will need 5,000 extras for a concert scene which is due to be shot on the beach on June 27. The team has also visited many other locations including the Upper Cliff Road area for scenes for the film, which is based on the music of The Beatles.
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