Bucks New University students create ‘making-of’ film of 11-year-old hoping for Christmas number one
(PRWEB UK) 20 December 2013 -- Picture caption: Fynnjan Leach-Verhoeven, 11, has Asperger syndrome and wrote The Spirit of Christmas in his head.
Film and TV Production students at Buckinghamshire New University have filmed a ‘making-of’ video going behind the scenes on the production of a song written and performed by an 11-year-old boy with Asperger syndrome aiming for Christmas number one.
Fynnjan Leach-Verhoeven wrote The Spirit of Christmas in his head, despite not being able to play any instruments, and the team of students from Bucks New University filmed and produced a ‘making-of’ film about how the song’s video was shot.
The video was filmed at Hall Barn Gardens at Windsor End, Beaconsfield, and the students worked alongside the industry-based broadcast professionals producing it.
Stephen Partridge, Head of Academic Department - Film and Television Production, said the University was approached to film and produce the ‘making of’ video by experienced music business professional Meredith Cork, who has previously worked with students on the course.
Stephen said: “The students took on challenging production roles at short notice and threw themselves at the project with characteristic zeal.
“Fynnjan and everyone connected with the song and video were delighted with their contribution, and they had great fun.”
Asperger syndrome is a form of autism which affects how Fynnjan makes sense of the world, as well as how he communicates with and relates to other people.
If his song makes it to this year’s Christmas number one, Fynnyan will usurp US pop star Taylor Swift as the youngest person to top the charts with a self-penned song at Christmas.
Proceeds from the song’s sales will be shared between the National Autistic Society and Nordoff Robbins music therapy.
A small percentage will also go to help special education needs provision at Fynnjan’s school, Seer Green Primary School, in Buckinghamshire.
The Spirit of Christmas is available to download at HMV and iTunes or at http://www.Fynnjan.com. The making-of video can be found at http://vimeo.com/81814406.
Editor’s notes
Buckinghamshire New University has enjoyed a long and successful history since it was founded in 1893. The University offers an extensive portfolio of courses spanning the creative and cultural industries, the management and information management sectors, and the public sector. It also offers services to industry including contract research, consultancy and the opportunity to employ graduates.
The University has a state-of-the-art building in High Wycombe known as the Gateway, which comprises a learning resource and technology centre, events hall, gym, sports science laboratory, dance, drama, music and video production studios, library and meeting rooms. It also offers a growing provision of student accommodation in High Wycombe; and a thriving base for nursing students and applied healthcare research in Uxbridge, West London.
Its alumni include television star Noel Fielding and London 2012 Paralympic and Olympic medallists Naomi Riches and Chloe Rogers, and it has bestowed honorary degrees on well-known figures including Fern Britton, Terry Wogan and England Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio.
Website: bucks.ac.uk
For further information, details and images contact Dean Valler, Communications Officer at Buckinghamshire New University, on 01494 601 636 or 07920 212 937 or email dean.valler(at)bucks(dot)ac.uk.
Dean Valler, Buckinghamshire New University, http://bucks.ac.uk, +44 1494601636, [email protected]
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