Film Production students chat to Oscar nominees and Hollywood insiders for lockdown podcast and special Q&As

Supervised by Creative Technical Demonstrator Aarif Laljee, the BA (Hons) Film Production students have successfully recorded edited and streamed a series of episodes which feature high-profile industry insiders from across the film industry. The podcast is hosted by Charlie Grimshaw and produced by Juliette Holmes and Lucy Britton.

Juliette Holmes said: "The podcast really has been a great and reliable creative outlet this semester. Doing it remotely has really given myself and the team a great opportunity to get the attention of higher profile industry professionals from the UK and overseas. Reaching out to people in the USA has taught us so much in terms of how the industry over there differs from the UK."

The roster of guests include Oscar-nominated editor Jake Roberts (who appeared on a special Q&A) and has worked on DEVS, The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Hell or High Water, Misfits and Kanye West’s video short All Day/I Feel Like That, Award winning Thunder Road and The Robbery producer and director Jim Cummings (who also appeared on a special Q&A), visual effects editor for Boardwalk Empire and Life of Pi Alec Styborski, Irene Chun who worked on post-production for How to Get Away with Murder and Scandal, human-rights documentary maker and director of Salam and Noodles Claire Fowler and sound effects editor for Star and The Lovers Felix Lau.'
 

In light of the Black Lives Matter movement the team also recorded a special podcast titled 'Black Voices in Post Production', with special guest editors from ITV and Hollywood.

In a special Q&A with acclaimed editor Jake Roberts, students quizzed Jake for over two hours on his remarkable career and tips for getting into the industry.

Jake said: “When trying to get into the industry just stick with it. Speaking from my own experience, just edit as much as you can – it all helps you to flex your muscles. It doesn’t matter how humble the material is.”

Creative Technical Demonstrator Aarif Laljee said: “During lockdown the students have really tapped into their creativity and harnessed their energy create something special. I am particularly impressed by the way they have continued to look for high profile guests with support from myself and Film Production Academic Fellow Revis Meeks.”

The knowledge and experience that these guests have shared with us will not only help our current students but will be valuable to future students.”

Director of Film Production Debra Prinselaar adds: "The regular Film Production Podcasts have taken on a life of their own, with students and industry professionals from the UK and around the world, joining forces to debate film industry issues close to their hearts.

“Initially planned as a monthly exercise, they are now almost weekly – and have proved an excellent way of keeping in touch during the Covid-19 lockdown.  The biggest surprise?  Applicants due to start in September have been taking part and getting a taste of what’s in store in the coming year”. 

The Film Production Podcast is available on YouTube and anchor.fm.