An Emmy Award-winning Film and TV industry editor visited Stratford-upon-Avon College to work with Creative Media students.
Beverley Mills, who has worked on numerous high-profile productions, including Channel 4’s Skins and the Ridley Scott-produced BBC shows Taboo and A Christmas Carol, delivered a masterclass in film production and the practicalities of working as an editor in the business.
Recognising the challenges the next generation of filmmakers face trying to break into the industry, Beverley feels a responsibility to pass on to them her expertise and advice. “It’s tough enough these days getting into the world of work, and even tougher to get into film and TV. It’s a fascinating industry – I love my job and I want more people to feel encouraged to do it.”
Beverley entered the industry at BBC’s Pebble Mill, and it was here that she fell in love with editing. “The process struck me as the perfect combination of technology and creativity.”
Explaining what drives her to participate in such a competitive industry, she commented: “It’s a varied career and an exciting one too: I might spend a day working with music, and then the next focusing on colour and imagery.”
Beverley was impressed with the students’ passion for film production and their eagerness to learn. “They were really lively and interested, and they asked very pertinent questions. They also consider themselves to be filmmakers already, not simply students, which is very important.”
And Beverley knows exactly what message she would like the students to take away from the masterclass. “It’s important to not come to a decision quickly and assume you’ve made the right choice first time. Take your time during the editing process and constantly rework your ideas and come up with better ones.”
