Digital Media Production students from Stratford-upon-Avon College were recently visited by a BAFTA award winner and former student who led a practical workshop on creative storyboarding and provided insight into Film Festivals and their importance for film makers.
Students on both the Level 3 and Level 4 courses came together to work with BAFTA winning animator and filmmaker Greg McLeod. Greg has visited the College previously to talk to the students about his wealth of experience in animation. However, this time his visit was extended to include practical workshops on experimental film and storyboarding.
The students each had to film a 5 second video and then Greg randomly put them in an order and randomly added a 5 second music clip to it. The end creation, titled The First Week of Spring, was extremely interesting and allowed the students to see filmmaking in a more collaborative and experimental way.
As a former student, Greg really enjoyed his time at College, but comments how he didn’t have visiting practitioners to give him insight: “I think it’s important for the students to see me doing what they want to do. I can show that the progression is possible.”
He highlights how important this type of workshop can be for the students: “The students will work commercially, but developing experimental and personal filming styles, they can then apply this to commercial work and this makes their work more unique.”
Level 4 student Keeley Everitt, 19, found the experience really useful: “We normally work with a clear narrative so this has given us the opportunity to create more freely.” Thom Maher, 19 added: “Being able to see how this applied to Greg’s own work was really inspirational.”
Greg then spoke to the students about Film Festivals and how useful and important they are for filmmakers. Already this year, Greg has animations featured at the Kaboom Animation Festival and has been nominated for three awards at the British Animation Awards, so it is something he has a lot of knowledge in.
Student Edward Lutley-Chan, 19, found this insight extremely useful: “I had minimal knowledge about film festivals. I want to be a writer and editor, so this knowledge is great for research and the benefits of making connections.”
Sarah Downing, Digital Media lecturer was so happy to have Greg return to visit the students: “It has been so great to have Greg back working with the students. He has got them creating and thinking in a different way which is a great learning experience.”
