BAFTA winning illustrator and animator, Greg McLeod, recently returned to Stratford-upon-Avon College to pass on his industry experience to the College’s Digital Media Production students.
Greg was a student at the College himself back in the 90s. Since leaving and embarking on his career alongside brother Myles as The Brothers McLeod, Greg has won a BAFTA Children’s Award for his work with the BBC and has been nominated twice for a BAFTA Film Award in the Best British Short Animation category.
Greg remembers his time at the College fondly and was delighted to be asked to return. He comments: “I loved it. I didn’t do well at school and coming to the College, it was the first time I did well academically. I loved that the courses intermingled – the media students worked with the performing arts students for example. There was a real family vibe to it. It felt like lecturers really cared about their students.”
Greg talked the current students through his career and answered questions the students had on a variety of related topics including his animation. Student Harrison Pearce commented: “I thought that Greg gave some great advice which I can take and use as inspiration for my own work in the future. I really like how Greg spoke about focusing on a moment or feeling in terms of creating a short film because I could possibly use that for my own work.”
Fellow student Keeley Everitt added: “I thought the session was interesting and informative. Greg was lovely and it was great to hear insight into what it’s like in the industry and when you’re trying to get into festivals. It was nice to hear from a professional what their creative approach is.”
Lecturer Sarah Downing, who organised the session, commented: “It’s been a pleasure to have Greg come in a speak to the students and inspire their creative development. Hearing from industry professionals really helps to show the students what they could achieve in future.”
Greg’s final advice to the college’s new media students? “Have fun. Work hard. Tailor what you are doing to what you are interested in.”
The College will continue to follow Greg’s career closely and look forward to welcoming him again in the future.
Find out more about Greg McLeod via his website.
