During the pandemic, I graduated from college with a degree in creative media production. I hesitated about attending university because I was unsure what course to study and did not want the financial burden. I also knew that I wanted to have practical experience in the media industry to be sure of what I enjoyed doing. As a compromise, I tried applying for apprenticeship schemes.
Accepting a place in the Digital Media Academy course enabled me to enter the Creative Media industry without attending university. The course helped me by teaching me practical skills and giving me the confidence to explore a career in creative media production.
One of the ways the course was helpful was by introducing me to industry experts who guided our group through the foundations of filmmaking. We had sessions focusing on script writing, directing, camera basics and editing.
Being a Writer, I was interested in the scriptwriting session. Led by Director and Writer Kirsty Robinson-Ward, I learned the three-act structure and how to use it effectively when writing our short films. I also discovered ways of generating ideas for new stories, such as developing a story from random pictures.
Another session was with the Filmmaker Michael Ellis, who demonstrated some camera basics. I learned how the aperture of a camera controls the amount of light let into the camera lens and how shooting at a higher frame rate allows for smoother slow-motion shots. I also grasped how to create depth in my shots by having distance between my subject and the background. It was a highly informative practical session.
A highlight of my time on the programme was getting to experience my first theatre production. Before, I had only ever seen the Broadway Production Hamilton on Disney +, and maybe a pantomime when I was five, but nothing of this scale. Directed by Belgrade’s Creative Director Corey Campbell, the production was of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet but with a modern twist. The whole experience was educational because I wasn’t knowledgeable about what goes into a theatre production. Watching rehearsals made me appreciate the dedication and diligence the cast and ensemble put into creating the show. I enjoyed the technical aspects the most because I loved how the lighting changed the mood of a scene in real time. It was all so immersive and made theatre feel accessible to me. I can’t wait to see more shows in the future.
Being a member of the Belgrade Theatre community has provided opportunities to meet creative people who have opened the door to further career possibilities. Before doing this programme, I was unsure how to talk about myself to people, but joining the Digital Media Academy has enabled me to be confident in networking with artists.
I want to thank digital producer and editor Simone Herbert for managing our group. Her encouragement and sincere support are a huge reason the course had a positive influence. I would also like to acknowledge and thank the Belgrade Hospitality Staff for providing refreshments for every session.
I am excited to continue evolving and improving as a Writer, a Sound Operator and any other hat I will try on. I urge those who feel like giving up on their passions to take risks and try things that might feel uncomfortable. The Digital Media Academy has truly been an unforgettable experience that wouldn’t have happened if I never thought Sure, why not try it?
“I urge those who feel like giving up on their passions to take risks and try things that might feel uncomfortable.”
