Filmmaker Rory Dorling has received a personalised tour of the Pinewood Studios facility in Buckinghamshire. The visit was part of the top prize awarded to Rory at this year’s Isle of Man Film Festival, organised by Mannin Shorts.
 
Rory Dorling, whose film Paper Journey won prizes for the Non Fiction and Best Overall categories was personally escorted around the state of the art film facilities and TV stages by Pinewood’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager Mark Hamilton.
 
During the visit Rory was introduced to Ian Tapp (AMPS), Pinewood’s rerecording mixer and BAFTA and Academy Award winner for Slumdog Millionaire. Ian demonstrated to Rory Dolby® Atmos™, a revolutionary new audio technology, at Pinewood’s Powell Theatre. This was followed by a visit to the 007 Stage, Europe’s biggest soundstage at 60,000 square feet to see crew rigging the set builds for Cinderella, Disney’s first-ever live action feature directed by Academy Award®-nominee Kenneth Branagh. Finally Rory visited the Underwater Stage, Europe's first studio-based underwater filming stage and which was used for some of the incredible underwater shots in mega-blockbuster Skyfall starring Daniel Craig.  Rory said about his visit:
 
“To have the opportunity to see the world’s best studio in action was incredible. To see some of the amazing facilities was inspiring and re-iterates my desire to make it in this competitive industry.”
 
Mike Reaney, Isle of Man Film said:
 
“Rory has consistently demonstrated his talent and determination for filmmaking, having twice won the Young Filmmaker of Mann award previously and with the awards at this year’s Isle of Man Film Festival. Rory is destined for a major career in the industry, so to be able to visit the UK’s leading studios close-up is invaluable experience for him. We thank Pinewood Group for organising this very special opportunity and Mannin Shorts for running the festival competition.”