Coldplay award-winning director inspired by Hull

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.

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 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.

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.”