Screen and Film School student and graduate success stories from 2022: Part 1

There’s a very important day on the horizon: the UCAS Equal Consideration Deadline is on January 25th at 18:00. This deadline is the date by which universities must consider all applications from prospective students.

For any students who are looking ahead to the deadline, getting your application for Screen and Film School in by the time we reach the date will ensure that as long as you meet the requirements, your application will be processed. Then you can relax and look forward to making the right decision for you based on the offers you will have in front of you. It’s also important to remember that, as some courses may fill up to capacity after this deadline, it’s crucial that you get ahead of the game and apply. After all, the world of filmmaking is waiting for you!

One of the aspects of the Film School that we pride ourselves on the most is the way in which our hard-working industry teams prepare students for a career in film, as well as how they support graduates who are making their first steps on the career ladder. We don’t need an excuse to celebrate these talented students and graduates, but the run up to the UCAS deadline is the perfect opportunity to showcase some of our most recent student success stories, from our Film Schools in Birmingham, Brighton and Manchester.

Before January 25th, you can expect to read about areas as diverse as directing, producing, camera, sound, editing, lighting, location management and more. First up we’re going to hear from Renee in Birmingham and Hugo in Brighton, in their own words.

Renee Ahmed – Screen and Film School Birmingham student

Script Supervisor

“I am currently in my second year at Screen and Film School Birmingham. At the end of my first year, I managed to get a month-long paid internship on a feature-length Bollywood Film as a script supervisor and assistant director during the summer holidays. I did this by getting into contact with one of the production companies, Waveband Productions, and attending an interview when I heard they needed help. I travelled with the team around the West Midlands and in the process, learnt so much about what it’s like to work on a real set, how the departments collaborate as well as learning to step up to a role I’ve never done on a large scale before, learning on the job.

Following on from that, the Industry Team at the Film School helped myself and some fellow students with a second work experience opportunity. We shadowed the cinematography team for a day who were working on a music video shoot for the Swedish heavy metal band Sabaton. I was given the task of assisting with managing the kit. It was such a lovely experience, watching how music videos are made as well as learning how much effort gets put into making it look fabulous and cinematic.

At Screen and Film School Birmingham, I am learning that collaboration and networking are vitally important. I have been able to make so many friends who are extremely supportive and willing to work together. I have had the chance to work with many of my peers and friends on module related projects as well as passion projects in our free time. I am extremely lucky to have met them.”

Hugo Healy – Screen and Film School Brighton graduate

Drone Pilot

“I am currently living in Dubai working as a drone pilot on feature films, commercials and TV. I can fly all the aerial platforms that are available and have recently been using heavy lift drones to fly 150k setups, flying the Arri Alexas. I now also fly FPV cameras professionally. My most recent industry activity was a proud moment for me: in November 2022 I won first place at the prestigious British Photography Awards, in the Drone category, voted for by the judges. This is the third year I have entered the awards. In 2020 I came runner up and in 2021 I won the People’s Choice Award. Now to be recognised as the overall winner shows that if you don’t succeed at first try, try and try again and make those ambitions a reality.

Looking back, I could not have asked for a better experience at Screen and Film School. I felt the course really developed my knowledge of the industry and each stage of filmmaking. The degree is extremely hands-on and provides you with the knowledge and skillset for any role in the industry. You can have a go at whatever role you want, from sound design to directing or producing.

On top of that, I felt the Film School had great facilities and top of the range equipment that is used in the industry, putting you ahead of other people. The staff are knowledgeable with industry backgrounds. They were there to support me and are extremely open. Since leaving Screen and Film School, they have given me countless opportunities to get work. As soon as I graduated, I started entering photography competitions and was able to win Drone Photo of the Year 2019 in the Agora Awards with my waterfall image, which was chosen from over 14,000 applicants. This image then went on to win a contest with Moment, which was an amazing opportunity with great cash prizes and the ability to travel around America for their photo festival.”

Thanks to Renee and Hugo for their words and reflections on a year full of success. We will hear from more of our talented students in the coming days.

And don’t forget… applications for all 2023 entry UCAS Undergraduate courses, except those with a 15 October deadline, should arrive at UCAS by 18:00 (UK time) on 25th January 2023.