Crystal is from an acting background and studied directing at Screen and Film School, Brighton and was clear that “it has given me a platform to work with some incredible, exciting new talent and to tell underrepresented stories that resonate with me and hopefully others.”
Looking back at the value of the course and why it was so good, it was because “the lecturers are so supportive and try to persuade you to work outside of your comfort zone. There are also some brilliant master classes with industry professionals and after school workshops run by alumni and current Screen and Film school staff.”
She also was clear that “my studies have given me confidence to pursue a career in production. This is something I never thought I was able to do. Fortunately I now have the skills thanks to my lecturers’ support and guidance.”
Brighton was a particularly important location to study too for Crystal as she reflected that “I have always been drawn to filming on celluloid film and expanding the film world outside of London. I moved from London to Brighton to get a new perspective.”
The ScreenSkills Select endorsement also helped in her decision-making “ScreenSkills are a wonderful organisation with a great reputation. Knowing that they endorsed the Screen and Film School course definitely gave me confidence when applying.”
Studying on courses with clear links with the screen industry is an important issue especially given how competitive entry-level roles can be. Even more so, if those links are with local production houses and companies. Crystal is currently working as a production coordinator for a Brighton-based TV company. Previously she had worked as a studio assistant for a corporate and branded content film company in Brighton. She found this opportunity on the Screen and Film School Facebook page.
Her current role as a junior production coordinator means she is coordinating TV productions including BBC Three’s Meet the Khans, Charlotte in Sunderland and BBC One’s Extraordinary Portraits. “On a day to day basis, this can be booking accommodation, applying for location licensing, liaising with talent and contributors to organise shooting schedules. I will also often help out with development research and forming ideas for new shows and recruiting new talent.”
In terms of any advice for students who are starting to look for the right course “go with what interests you and don’t worry about the level you are at now. We all started somewhere.”
For those already on the course she studied on, she believes it is vital “to respect and celebrate the work of your fellow students. Watch and read other people’s films and scripts and be open to healthy discussion and constructive criticism of your own work. You also have to be persistent if you want to get into the industry. I have worked in hospitality jobs, teaching and events for many years before landing a role as a runner on a HETV production.
Looking ahead, she would like one day to be a producer director on TV productions. She “enjoys working in a team of excited creatives bouncing off ideas and being part of some great stories. I also write and direct my own personal projects which I hope to pursue in the future as well as working full time job in production.”
The experience that Crystal has had in education and how that has given her confidence and the links to industry, shows the value of studying on high quality courses, especially those which are endorsed by Screen Skills Select .
She can follow Crystal’s career and view her portfolio through her website.
