Winner
Shaun Moore
Architecture Diploma, 1975
Shaun Moore graduated in Architecture in 1975. He worked as an architect in London and became a tutor at the Oxford School of Architecture. Research into 'Design for Disability' led to a move to Kansas State University as Professor of Architecture. Returning to the UK in 1984, he joined the BBC TV Scenic Design department, becoming Senior Production Designer in 1994. With an extensive portfolio in all genres of TV, while also teaching 'Design for Film and Television' at Chelsea College of Art, he was awarded the Royal Television Society Production Design Award in 1997. Shaun became a freelance theatre and screen designer in the UK and for TV companies in Europe, the Middle East, and India. He established the design training programme ‘SafeSets’ for TV and Film, became an NVQ Assessor, and was in the team that set up Careers Advice for Creative Skillset.
Finalists
Jack Rooke
Journalism BA, 2014
Jack Rooke is a BAFTA-nominated screenwriter and filmmaker. Jack graduated from the University of Westminster in 2014 with a Journalism BA. His debut TV series for Channel 4 ‘Big Boys’, set at a fictionalised version of the University of Westminster, received widespread critical praise and was nominated for four TV BAFTAs. The series follows two university students who become unlikely friends after being thrust together in shared accommodation as they learn how to navigate university and adulthood together. The Guardian named ‘Big Boys’ at number 6 on the top 100 TV series of 2022 and a second series is on the way.
Leilani Franco
Contemporary Media Practice BA, 2014
Leilani Franco is a contortionist and creative technologist. Her work blurs the lines between the real and digital worlds, using her body as a medium and tool of expression. A professional ballet dancer at age 16, she trained with the National Circus School of Canada. She then studied at Westminster while performing at the infamous cabaret, The Box Soho, at night.
Leilani has represented Turkey in Eurovision, was a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent in 2012 as a contortionist, and in 2013, she broke three Guinness World Records. In 2014, she made her debut short film, Eelan, which won various independent film awards. She has founded a motion capture live arts company, Digital Circus, and serviced projects like the celebrity concerts of Tai Verdes, Denzel Curry, and George Ezra for Roblox, as well as creating her own pieces.
Qasim Hussain
Commercial Music Performance BMus, 2012
Qasim Hussain (Kaz Rodriguez) is a composer, drummer and producer. Since graduating with his Commercial Music Performance BMus in 2012, Qasim has played for Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Josh Groban and Grammy award-winning artist Chaka Khan. Qasim has also written music for video games, TV and film and appeared on the cover of Rhythm Magazine and Modern Drummer. On top of his performance and production work, Qasim has also released four albums of drum music and regularly runs drumming masterclasses for aspiring musicians.