George Clooney wishes a Merry Christmas to WCS staff!

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George Clooney wishes a Merry Christmas to WCS staff!
Hollywood superstar George Clooney has sent a Christmas message to all West College staff!
The two-time Oscar winner, who was in Edinburgh last month to present the Scottish Business Awards, took time out to visit the Social Bite café in the capital and it was there he recorded his brief message, wishing everyone at WCS a Merry Christmas.
The clip can now be seen on the Staff Intranet or by using the QR Code at the end of this article.
The remarkable coup was organised by Greenock-based lecturer and freelance journalist Campbell Grey, along with David Donaldson, a media technician, who also works at the Finnart St campus. Campbell takes up the story:
“Social Bite wanted their own camera inside the café and through contacts I was asked to organise it. That’s how my WCS colleague David Donaldson got exclusive access to the event. Of course, every news outlet was desperate for our pictures, so we teamed up with Sky News who sent them to London and then beamed them to TV networks across the globe.”
David says it’s a day he’ll never forget.
“The place was heaving but I wasn’t fazed at all. Our lecturers teach us to be professional, whether the job is big or small. But I only realized how big it was as I sat in the Sky News satellite van knowing my pictures were about to go round the world!”
Campbell and David confess they were a bit “fly” in asking Clooney to deliver his message.
“He was absolutely charming”, says Campbell, “and although it was a bit cheeky to ask, he was delighted to oblige. In fact, he gave us two takes – just in case the first didn’t work.
“It was a really memorable occasion, both in a professional and a personal sense. David and I are really proud of what we did and we hope all our colleagues enjoy the clip.”
Principal Audrey Cumberford agrees.
“Well done to Campbell and David for their initiative and professionalism. This is a really nice way for the College to end another successful year.
“I don’t perhaps have the same pulling power as Mr Clooney, but I’d also like to wish all our staff a very merry Christmas!”

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4 December 2015
George Clooney’s Christmas message to West College Scotland!
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Hollywood superstar George Clooney has recorded a special message to all staff at West College Scotland!
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The two-time Oscar winner and global heart-throb took time out on a recent visit to Scotland to pass on Christmas greetings to the 1,200 people who work at the College.
George’s short message has been passed on to staff via the staff intranet and is now available for the world to enjoy - click below to watch the video:
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The remarkable coup was organised by two of the College’s Greenock-based staff, media lecturer Campbell Gray and David Donaldson, a media technician.  Campbell and David were the only two members of the media given access to Social Bite, a social enterprise café which Clooney visited during his trip to Edinburgh last month.
Campbell explains:
“The café owners wanted a record of the visit and through contacts I was approached to organise it. On the day, the place was packed and really buzzing with excitement.  It was great to be the only media there."

I suppose I was a bit cheeky asking George to record a message for West College Scotland but he was delighted to oblige.  In fact, he gave us two takes – just in case the first didn’t work!  Now, that is class!

Cameraman David said:
“George Clooney is absolutely charming.  He was great with us and with the staff at the café and obviously has a deep commitment to the type of work Social Bite does in helping homeless people.”
David’s exclusive pictures were used by TV stations around the world.

Every news outlet was desperate for our pictures of one of the biggest stars on the planet. We teamed up with Sky News who sent them to London and then beamed them to TV networks across the globe.

"I only realised how big the story was as I sat in the Sky News satellite van knowing my pictures were about to go round the world!"
Campbell says it’s a day they’ll never forget.
“It was a really memorable occasion, both in a professional and a personal sense. David and I are really proud of what we did and we hope all our colleagues at West College Scotland enjoy the Christmas message we brought back.”
West College Scotland Principal Audrey Cumberford agrees:
“Well done to Campbell and David for their initiative and professionalism.  It’s a great boost and a wonderful way for West College Scotland to end another successful year.
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WCS media technician David Donaldson stands at the back, video recording Clooney oustide of Social Bite

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George Clooney films personal message for Paisley college

• 15:30, 4 Dec 2015
  
• Updated   15:30, 4 Dec 2015
  
• By Lynn Jolly
  

HOLLYWOOD superstar George Clooney has filmed an incredible Christmas message for staff at West College Scotland. Two of the college’s media staff, Paisley men Campbell Gray and David Donaldson, cheekily asked for the quick video clip – and gorgeous George was happy to oblige.