What could your first steps into industry look like with Screen and Film School?

In the past two weeks, we have looked at the Film School from above, from the past and also, we’ve taken a sneak peek into what the future could hold for us.

By sharing 5 things that make us unique, as well as 8 key milestones in our history, we have had a chance to reflect on the essence of the Film School. Now it’s time to focus on you – the students – and to outline 5 important moments you can expect to experience as you begin your first steps into the screen and film industry.

Freshers’ week  

Fresher’s week, no matter which city, is the very best way to introduce yourself to your fellow players, your course mates, future collaborators and to begin networking with film enthusiasts and industry experts. The foundations you lay down in these first few vital weeks will prove crucial in the years ahead: friendships are formed and working relationships begin to blossom. Going through these carefree, joyous events together will stand you in good stead for the challenges that filmmaking and a film set can bring. Here’s what Screen and Film School Brighton student Jasmine Gregory had to say about their Fresher’s week:

“The few days between the Induction Day and the official Freshers’ week gave me the opportunity to explore Brighton as a city, which mainly consisted of me walking around randomly trying to familiarise myself with the area. I was lucky enough to organise living with some other Screen and Film School students, so it has been lovely discovering the city with them as well as getting used to student life. The Freshers’ Fair was brilliant, particularly given it was held at Brighton Film Studios. It was worth the hype, it’s very impressive. I felt quite smug knowing I was going to be spending a lot of my time here for the next three years.”

Student Services

At Screen and Film School, we know that starting a degree course in a new city is an exciting time, but it also comes with a range of new challenges. From having to manage paying rent and bills for the first time, to making new friends and balancing a healthy social life whilst undertaking a rigorous degree programme. It’s a lot of new things to experience and can at times feel quite overwhelming.

From enrolment to graduation, our experienced Student Services Team offer personalised advice and guidance to help you with those challenges; whatever they may be. We work hard to make sure you have access to the support you need to succeed throughout your studies.

Whether you need ongoing support for a diagnosed learning difficulty or mental health condition, or if you just need someone to talk to when things get tough: we’re here to help. We will work with you to help you build the confidence and resilience to deal with life’s challenges, and for students needing further help we also offer a counselling service or can help put you in touch with specialised local support agencies.

At Screen and Film School, students take their first steps towards reaching their creative, personal and academic goals and there is always help there should you need it.

Classes Begin

During your first few days at the Film School, you will be introduced to some of the key aspects that go a long way towards making us who we are: expert lecturers, industry-standard kit and first-class facilities.

We believe it’s important for you to be taught by working professionals who specialise in their own craft. From directing, cinematography, editing, camera operation and screenwriting, our friendly and experienced lecturers will help you develop all the practical filmmaking skills you need to succeed in your chosen career path in the film industry. They will also provide you with exclusive opportunities to work on projects such as documentaries, feature films, short films and editing work – which creates a wonderful opportunity to start to build your filmmaking CV.

As well as the best lecturers, Screen and Film School also has the very best in industry-standard, high-end kit, such as modern LED-light fixtures, and the Arri Alexa. At the heart of the Film Schools are fully customisable, production-standard sets with lighting rigs and flats. The sets are flexible spaces that can be dressed and adapted to the requirements of each shoot. We also have bespoke facilities and equipment for hair and make-up, and production design.

Masterclasses

We have some of the film industry’s most prolific names at our fingertips. Plus, we have the connections to get them in front of you at our exclusive masterclasses. Prestigious cinematographers, editors, producers, screenwriters, directors and more give our students expert advice and crucial insights that you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll experience live demonstrations, Q&A sessions and even exclusive screenings from global industry icons, current blockbuster films and TV dramas and the names who have made it big.

Here are some of the headline-grabbing guests we have welcomed for an expert masterclass:

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Charlie Brooker, Russell T Davies, Laurie Nunn, Reggie Yates, Tim Wildgoose, Reece Shearsmith, Eben Bolter and Daniella Pearman.

Student Societies

Screen and Film School’s student societies bring together groups of students with a common interest who want to share their passions. There is now a large variation in these groups: from football to veganism, and from politics to trans rights. Across our three Film Schools, students can join as many societies as they wish, and if there isn’t one that does what you want then why not think about starting a new one? Before you begin your journey with Screen and Film School, if you’re interested in joining one of our many Student Societies, or you find that you do indeed want to start a new one, here is a list of our current groups to inspire you:

Gays on Film, Women in Film, Film in Colour, Debating and Politics Society, Trans in Focus, Breakfast Club, Art Shack, Black Lives in Film, Script Reading Club, The Production Club, Football Club, Book Club, Gaming Society.

That is what your first days and weeks could look like at Screen and Film School. From those very first exciting moments as a fresher, to becoming an established member of our film community, the possibilities are endless. But one thing is for certain – you will be met with friendly faces and industry experts as you start out on your path to becoming a filmmaker. Your undergraduate journey starts here.