JUST two years after leaving university a Hampshire corporate filmmaker is up for a national award.

Craig McDougall, who runs video production company Broken Physics with his partner Emma Lieghio, has been shortlisted in the best freelance category of the IPSE (Independent Professional and Self-Employed) Awards.

The couple, who met while they were students at Barton Peveril College, set up their company after graduation from the film and TV Studies course at Solent University.

Craig explained that his name was on the award nomination as “...it had be just one person and because I like public speaking a bit more than Emma I drew the short straw.”

The 23-year-old will have to give a presentation about his business to a panel judges and field questions during the competition judging on October 22. Craig said it was a natural move to set up their own company as both sets of parents were self-employed.

Among Broken Physics’ clients have been the University of Winchester, the Saints Foundation and Southampton’s Ejector Seat festival.

Craig said his ultimate aim was to expand the firm so it could “keep creative talent in Southampton rather than having it running off to London or Brighton.”

Judging for the awards will take place on October 22 and the winners will be announced on National Freelancer Day, on November 12.