An evening for students and emerging talent in the industry to meet the many media organisations in the region, ask for advice and find out more about production in the region... plus a series of drop in TedX-style talks to inspire!
"The energy in the room is incredible", said Dick Penny, Watershed’s CEO, when he nipped in to see the second Bristol Student Festival in full swing. Fifteen of the city’s leading production and post-production companies had stands, with teams on hand to answer questions and explain how to pursue opportunities. They all went home hoarse.
Aardman senior digital producer Gav Strange kicked-off the evening – with an inspiring musical, visual and funny presentation – on the reasons why creative careers are the best. Gavin (alias the ‘JamFactory’ by night,) is an illustrator, film-maker and digital designer and rapidly becoming a ‘go-to’ speaker at creative events across the city. jam-factory.com
More than 180 students from across the region signed up for the event, and arrived armed with CVs and show reels.
Three 20 minute panels about documentary making, talent and production management ran alongside the ‘speed dating’ tables – for those who wanted somewhere quieter…
Plimsoll Productions, Wall to Wall, Icon Films, Silverback, RDF West, Keo West, Tigress Productions, Drummer Productions, ITV News, BBC talent, Films@59, Doghouse, Evolutions, BDH (with some great VR) were joined by Edinburgh TV festival’s Network. Huge thanks from the Bristol committee for giving up your evening to inspire the next generation - we hope you spotted some amazing talent.
One student tweeted afterwards: “It was an amazing experience and well worth it for any filmmaker out there.”
Lynn Barlow