A group of QE students had the exciting opportunity to attend Sunderland University’s Film School Roundtable, immersing themselves in the world of film and television production while gaining valuable industry insight and practical experience.
Selected to take part in the prestigious programme, the students were introduced to their final project brief and received a script entitled ‘Love at First Bite’, the starting point for an intensive and creative week of filmmaking.
Throughout the week, students participated in a series of professional workshops covering every stage of the filmmaking process. From producing a short film and directing actors, to camera operation, sound recording and editing, students experienced the many roles involved in bringing a film to life. Working alongside industry professionals, they developed new skills, built confidence and gained a deeper understanding of careers within the creative industries.
Adding to the experience, students were joined by special guest David Quantick, acclaimed novelist, comedy writer, journalist and critic, who has enjoyed a successful career across television and film. His insight into the industry provided additional inspiration and guidance for the aspiring filmmakers.
The week culminated in a special screening event, where students showcased the films they had created. The celebration highlighted not only the quality of the finished productions, but also the hard work, creativity and dedication shown by every student involved.
QE student Sj Oman said: “The Film School experience at Sunderland University was a great opportunity to learn and develop skills within the Film and TV industry. We got to work with people with real experience and use professional equipment, which helped us grow our understanding of sound, camera work, editing and much more. Overall, it was a fun and valuable environment for us as students.”
Fellow student Evie Bright added: “It was a really great week getting to learn and work on a real film set with an amazing cast and crew. The experience and the people I worked with really showed me that getting a job in the industry isn’t impossible.”
At the end of the programme, Creative Media Practice Course Leader Beccy and Media Studies and Film Studies teacher Adam attended the final screening to see the students’ work first-hand. Both were incredibly impressed by the professionalism, creativity and commitment demonstrated throughout the week.
Reflecting on the experience, Beccy said: “Seeing what our five Film and Media students achieved after just a week at Sunderland Film School was incredible. Watching them take complete creative ownership of a project and produce a short film, while taking on numerous production roles, was a testament to how much they had grown in such a short space of time.
“In just one week, their creative confidence absolutely skyrocketed. The independence and maturity they demonstrated at the screening and celebration event was fantastic to see. They walked onto campus as students and left as confident filmmakers.”
Adam also praised the students’ achievements and said: “The group arrived with different levels of experience and interest, but all tied by sharing a love and passion for filmmaking. They went in unsure of what to expect and left with new friends, professional-standard credits, industry contacts and a wealth of new skills and confidence, making themselves, their teachers and QE incredibly proud.”
The experience proved to be an unforgettable experience, giving students the opportunity to develop practical skills, build industry connections and experience life on a professional film set. It was a fantastic week of creativity, collaboration and learning, and one that will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of filmmakers at QE.
