The Media and Film Studies department, at the Sixth Form College Farnborough, hosted their annual 'Media Industry Day' on 11 November.  The event provides the opportunity for AS Media Studies students to meet professionals from the world of film, publishing, television and video games.

Sharing their experience this year, were Greg Boardman (executive producer of the highly successful CBBC programme Rastamouse), Helena Drakakis (Freelance Writer and former Associate Editor of the Big Issue), David Scarborough (Freelance Video Games Consultant, Journalist and Editor) and Film Marketing Executive David Wilkinson (Director of Film Services at Universal Pictures). 

Henry Silk, an AS student who took part in the day said “As an experienced TV Producer, Greg Boardman was able to provide us with an insight into how to make a successful children's programme. He listened to our questions and gave advice on how we could use our own ideas in our project work. We are really fortunate to have had this amazing opportunity!"

Nicola Franklin, Curriculum Manager for Media Studies said of the day “The students were thrilled to welcome such established and experienced industry insiders to the College. The day provided a once in a lifetime opportunity, to learn from these inspiring professionals and gave the students plenty of ideas as they develop their own creative coursework productions and texts.

The event was considered a huge success by the visiting speakers, who were all impressed by the skill, enthusiasm and engagement of the students.  Our guests were particularly impressed by the originality and commercial viability of their ideas.”

David Wilkinson commented ‘"Universal Pictures is proud to present to the students, for the Industry Day Workshops. If this presentation gives them good insight into the film industry, then I am pleased to have helped young talent follow their dreams of becoming the film-makers of the future."

Industry Day is now an annual event, forming part of an ongoing programme of enrichment activities for students, which has also provided the opportunity to gain work experience with Gareth Ellis-Unwin, of Bedlam Productions (the company behind the Oscar winning film The King’s Speech), to produce commercial videos for external clients such as The London School of Economics and to see their work on the big screen at the IMAX cinema in London. 

Throughout the year the students are offered the opportunity to take part in subject related trips at home and abroad, all designed to help develop their intellectual and creative skills.

Find out more about Media Studies at the College.