MyAV范

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I have chosen BA Media鈥檚 filmmaking pathway (as opposed to the video games option), which combines theory with a practice-based approach to several areas of production through various genres and disciplines. However, it wasn鈥檛 until I became 鈥檚 Drama Producer as part of the 2022/23 committee that I developed an interest in the producer specialisation. Seeing a project through all the way, from its initial conception to its subsequent release, while working alongside a diverse, versatile crew is truly something special. As I continue to pursue this as a career, I am in the process of finalising my portfolio and applying for related MAs in and around London!

What is the most interesting thing you鈥檝e done, seen or gotten involved with while at MyAV范?

I have had the privilege of working as an Executive Producer for Pigeon-livered, a surrealist 16mm short film shot on Arriflex 16BL 鈥� the very same camera Christopher Nolan used for Following (1998). It is an ambitious, mixed-media project that combines live action and stop animation. We were also lucky to work with Cal MacAninch (Downtown Abbey, Mr Selfridge), who voice-overed our animated figure. We recorded in the MyAV范 East dubbing studio, which was very exciting for me 鈥� I love all things sound design. Currently, the film is in post-production, scheduled to premiere in May 2024 at the Festival of the Moving Image. Everyone on this crew is immensely talented and hard-working, and I could not be prouder of my team.

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at MyAV范?

This may be an obvious answer 鈥� albeit some of my friends did not know this 鈥� but the piano practice rooms above the Huntley quickly became one of my most frequented spots. I have played for a few years, and some of my friends are incredible musicians, so we would often get together and enjoy each other鈥檚 music. It was a great way to unwind and connect without saying anything.

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

1. Exmouth Market (Clerkenwell, between Farringdon and Chancery Lane). It is the hidden gem of central London. After a spontaneous visit, I fell in love with the area听and later started working in the neighbourhood part-time. It is a community of local business owners who treat each other and their customers like family, and there are a lot of great bespoke shops, restaurants and caf茅s you could go to!
2. A few times a year, the Classic Car Boot Sale takes place in Coal Drop鈥檚 Yard. There is an open-air disco, vintage vendors stationed next to old-school cars, and a variety of places to grab some food and drinks. I thrifted some of my favourite items from this event. It is wholesome and vibrant 鈥� and the people there sure have a unique sense of style. I believe the next one is happening in April this year!
3. Contrary to popular belief amongst my friends, I love Southbank. As a film student, it is an obvious choice to be a fan of the BFI, however I mainly go there to walk along the river. In the wintertime, there is the Christmas market and at night听it illuminates beautifully, and you can see the landmarks from a distance. Sure, it鈥檚 touristic, but I still find it wonderful.

If you could study a different subject, what would it be and why?

Probably film scoring. I could go on a long tangent about my favourite film composers, and I often think that sound is not appreciated enough in such a visual art form (especially in student films). I am as intrigued by the technical side as I am by the creative. Music can be so overwhelmingly powerful sometimes.

Who inspires you and why?

A few years ago, I went to see Anatoly Belly鈥檚 solo show I Am Here听in Helsinki. I cannot begin to describe how profound, intimate, and heart-wrenching it was. Stripped of any d茅cor, there is merely a human being before us on stage. An emotional exploration of identity through the 鈥渆veryman鈥� character, the performance resembles a conversation about our innermost feelings, tragic or comical, yet always sincere. I've never been听a fan of theatre, however, this is a ticket I won鈥檛 ever regret purchasing. Both the actor and the show remain a big inspiration to me, personally and creatively.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I was an athlete for most of my life. First rhythmic gymnastics, then basketball until I got to university. Nowadays, I am satisfied with meeting my daily steps goal and calling it a day 鈥� but I still try to be as active as I can.