Coldplay award-winning director inspired by Hull

A man in a hat and open neck shirt, smiles at the camera at a film awards ceremonyImage source, Getty Images / Rune Hellestad - Corbis
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Director Jamie Thraves says he was inspired by Hull as a student filmmaker

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An award-winning filmmaker, who directed two of Coldplay's early music videos, said making student films in his bedroom in Hull was pivotal to his success.

Jamie Thraves, who studied at Humberside Polytechnic in the late 1980s after he "fell in love with Hull", praised his tutors for encouraging him to experiment in his creative work.

"They allowed you to try different things out. I just hired the cameras out of the student cupboard and learned how to use them and learned how to light. I went off and made short films in my bedroom."

Mr Thraves went on to direct the videos to Coldplay's God Put A Smile On Your Face and The Scientist, which won three MTV Video Music Awards in 2003.

The band Coldplay are shown on a stage, with the musicians at the back, and lead singer, Chris Martin, at the front, holding a microphone and singing to the audience at a gig.
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Coldplay are performing in Hull on 18 and 19 August

Mr Thraves, 56, told BBC Radio Humberside he was inspired by the "unique" city of Hull and his tutors when he studied at the Art School between 1988 and 1991.

The Scientist, external video has become well known for showing the storyline in reverse and frontman Chris Martin had to learn to sing backwards.

"He phoned me up just before the shoot and sang the song backwards to me over the phone. I didn't know if it was right or not, but it sounded right," Mr Thraves said.

"He worked really really hard on that, to make sure he got it right, and it was very impressive."

Coldplay are performing at Craven Park in Hull on 18 and 19 August before they play 10 shows at Wembley Stadium.

A man smiles at the camera, with his head to one side, learning on his hand, he has a hat on and is standing in front of a brick wall.Image source, Jamie Thraves
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Jamie Thraves works as an international film director but says he has never forgotten Hull

Mr Thraves has gone on to direct music videos for artists including Radiohead, Blur, The Verve, James Blunt, Neneh Cherry and Sam Smith.

"When I left home to go to university I was a very insecure, anxious person," he said.

"I left university feeling full of hope, grateful to be alive. I was euphoric because I discovered my passion for filmmaking.

"I will always be grateful to the city of Hull for that."

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