Ex-student's Thunderbirds designs

Matt's design for a hi-tech car forThunderbirds

A Newport art graduate is preparing to see his work on the silver screen after his designs were selected to be featured in the new Thunderbirds film.

Matt Savage, who graduated from the Design Futures course at University of Wales, Newport, spent several weeks working on the Hollywood film.

He was selected after sending in his portfolio.

The movie which is a live-action version of the cult TV puppet show is released on 23 July.

The movie features a number of designs from Matt Savage

The former student said: "I'm not allowed to say too much as it's all very hush-hush, but I was working in the art department alongside the concept designers, draughtsmen, 3D modellers and storyboard artists.

"One of my responsibilities was building scale models of the sets from the schematics drawing.

"Concept design for film has always been the area of the industry that I want to work in and this experience has confirmed that to me.

"Through the placement I have made a number of strong links to the industry and I enjoyed working on the movie.

" I got the placement by making a number of phone calls and repeatedly sending out my portfolio to different studios," he added.

Matt Savage sent in his portfolio

And his former course leader at the university Steve Thompson said he was looking forward to seeing some of Matt's designs in the film.

"Matt was part of a very extraordinary group of students and he showed a lot o interest in working in the film industry.

"It just shows what perseverance can do for someone.

"The last I heard from him was that he was really enjoying things.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing the film," he added.

Thunderbirds, produced by Universal Pictures and British-based Working Title, stars Ben Kingsley and Bill Paxton.