A FORMER pupil of The Hammond School has starred in his first feature film following a win at the New York International Film Awards.

Harrison Tipping has been living in New York since September 2019 but returned to his home town of Chester during the pandemic. Whilst here, Harrison was able to write, direct and star in his award-winning short film; Stand To.

Having graduated from New York's prestigious Stella Adler Studio of Acting in 2022, Harrison has also now completed his first full length feature, filmed in Austin, Texas, in a leading role alongside the likes of Eric Roberts - brother of Julia Roberts - and Matthew Marsden. The film cannot currently be named for legal reasons.

A member of Great Britain's National Youth Theatre, he has also played roles in period dramas such as The Ancestors as well as The Last Harvest.

Harrison said: "Filming my first full length feature was a blast. I got to work with some very hard working and talented actors, the likes of Eric Roberts and Alec Rayme. I felt I was able to really sink my teeth into the character and the story and I look forward to taking my experience of my work from this set onto many more."

Stand To took home the award for Best Duo at the New York International Film Awards in April 2021, as Harrison worked alongside co-star Megan Haly. The film explored the lives of military personnel following periods of conflict and the effects of PTSD.

Chester and District Standard: Harrison and co-star Megan Haly took home Best Duo from the NYFA.Harrison and co-star Megan Haly took home Best Duo from the NYFA. (Image: Harrison Tipping)

He added: "Watching Stand To go from an idea, to a script, to a film to then be shared around the world was truly gratifying. This film holds a very important message and it's subject matter of PTSD has resonated with both soldiers and civilians dealing with the hardships of it.

"I shared the film with the charity Head-Up which support veterans and one of the founders was so happy with the portrayal that he shared the film through the charity for it to reach more men and women in need of its message."

He has recently been on Stage in Florida performing a play called The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool, by Michael Hollinger and is about to launch a run of a play called Changing the Sheets by Harry Butler on January 29th with a former associate Shannon Haly, also a former student at Stella Adler.

Harrison is looking for his next role with the help of his manager and has recently signed with a London Agency Simon and How.