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Behind the scenes in SATRA's short film

Directed by Gary Halliday of the UK Film School

4th June 2019

As part of its centenary, SATRA commissioned the UK Film School (UKFS) to produce a short film celebrating SATRA's progress through the generations of those who have worked at the research and testing organisation from the beginning to the present day.

The story follows schoolboy Jack’s contact with early footwear testing in 1919 and how his curiosity leads to a legacy that his grandson sees when he visits the modern SATRA in 2019.

In 1919 the development of products that were fit for purpose was often in the hands of a few visionary individuals who could see what products could become with proper investment in research and testing. Such individuals were the driving force behind the establishment of SATRA. Over the years SATRA came to stand for scientific scrutiny and technical innovation throughout the world, first in the footwear industry and then in other industries like furniture and personal protective equipment. Now, in 2019, everywhere you turn there are products that people use every day where SATRA has played a role in making them safer, better performing and more sustainable.

UKFS is based in Northamptonshire which was an important consideration when deciding on the commission as SATRA aims to invest in the local region where it can.

Director Gary Halliday set up the film school in 2007 in order to help young people from all backgrounds get involved in filmmaking. UKFS now works with the Duke OF Edinburgh residential Gold Award and has provided filmmaking workshops as part of BBC Children In Need.

The SATRA 100 film uses locally-based actors Kelly Hart and Tony Rickell. Tony has appeared in film and TV and numerous West End musicals. He recently retired as Director of Drama at Northampton School for girls. Kelly has broad theatre experience and has sung at The Royal Albert Hall. She is also a talent agent for a children’s agency. Child actor Elliot Mallory-Steel features in the film which marks his debut performance on camera.

See the film

SATRA is celebrating 100 years of research and testing from 1919 to 2019 with a number of events and initiatives throughout the year.