University of Hull
Mark Herman receives Honorary Degree from the University of Hull at Scarborough 16-07-10
Mark Herman was born in Bridlington in 1954. After leaving school, he worked in the wholesale bacon trade and then as a trainee manager for the supermarket chain Wm Jackson’s before deciding, at 25, to follow an artistic path.
He studied at Hull College of Art then at Leeds Polytechnic, where he gained a first-class degree in graphic design (which included a thesis on Alan Plater, a fellow University of Hull honoris causa).
From Leeds Mark progressed to the National Film School in Beaconsfield, initially studying animation but soon transferring to scriptwriting and live-action direction. His 1986 graduation film, a comedy featuring the travails of a Hull City supporter, won him an Oscar for best student film.
He then entered the film industry as a writer and director. His debut feature was the 1992 Disney comedy Blame it on the Bellboy, starring Dudley Moore. This was followed by the critically acclaimed Brassed Off and then Little Voice, which was shot largely on location in Scarborough. Three further feature films followed: Purely Belter, Hope Springs and, most recently, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Mark has won several prestigious awards for his screenwriting, and his films have garnered a host of Oscars, BAFTAs and Golden Globes.
He now lives in York, but his links with Hull remain strong – largely due to his long-standing passion for Hull City.
Mark Herman receives Honorary Degree from the University of Hull at Scarborough 16-07-10
Mark Herman was born in Bridlington in 1954. After leaving school, he worked in the wholesale bacon trade and then as a trainee manager for the supermarket chain Wm Jackson’s before deciding, at 25, to follow an artistic path.
He studied at Hull College of Art then at Leeds Polytechnic, where he gained a first-class degree in graphic design (which included a thesis on Alan Plater, a fellow University of Hull honoris causa).
From Leeds Mark progressed to the National Film School in Beaconsfield, initially studying animation but soon transferring to scriptwriting and live-action direction. His 1986 graduation film, a comedy featuring the travails of a Hull City supporter, won him an Oscar for best student film.
He then entered the film industry as a writer and director. His debut feature was the 1992 Disney comedy Blame it on the Bellboy, starring Dudley Moore. This was followed by the critically acclaimed Brassed Off and then Little Voice, which was shot largely on location in Scarborough. Three further feature films followed: Purely Belter, Hope Springs and, most recently, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Mark has won several prestigious awards for his screenwriting, and his films have garnered a host of Oscars, BAFTAs and Golden Globes.
He now lives in York, but his links with Hull remain strong – largely due to his long-standing passion for Hull City.