University News Last updated 15 July
Birmingham City University alumni both gave and received work experience opportunities in film and TV, thanks to a recent training programme designed to provide budding media professionals with a launchpad into the industry.
The Rock Up Ready! programme – funded by the British Film Institute – was joint delivered by BCU and the University of Wolverhampton, and was open to recent graduates based in the West Midlands.
Taking place in short blocks, Rock Up Ready! focused on areas relevant to the world of modern media, including:
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Understanding scripted and unscripted production
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The key attributes and responsibilities of roles on set and behind the scenes
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Guidance in navigating the world of freelancing, from securing roles to understanding contracts
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A practical introduction to sustainable production techniques.
Alongside this, participants gained industry-recognised, accredited certificates for health and safety, as well as the BAFTA/Albert Sustainability qualification.
One BCU alum that took part was Lewis Lovering, who graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Film Studies.
“Rock Up Ready! has been an essential stepping stone into the TV and film industry,” he explains. “It’s rare that people secure their first role in this industry via traditional application processes, so this programme has equipped me with the networking skills and knowledge of how the industry operates. I’m much more prepared for the reality of working as a freelancer and being proactive in seeking out contracts in production.”
Also benefitting from Rock Up Ready! is Kai McNamee, who graduated from BCU with a BA in Filmmaking.
“I signed up to Rock Up Ready! to gain the skills needed to make me more employable in the film and TV industry. Not only that, I hoped it would help me seek out work opportunities, as I was unaware of where the paid opportunities were coming from.”
Both Lewis and Kai now feel better equipped to secure opportunities in the industry, while other participants have gained work on shows as diverse as Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man and Great British Menu.
Not only did BCU graduates receive opportunities, but they also provided them. Alum Dan Simmons, who recently won a coveted Sony Future Filmmaker award, returned to the University to offer both expertise and placements.
“We were recruiting crew members for our short film, Deadheading, and our Director of Photography suggested that I get in touch with the Rock Up Ready! team to see if their cohort might be interested in getting involved,” Dan explains.
“We had a fantastic response and ended up bringing several participants on to the project. I was incredibly impressed by their enthusiasm, professionalism and willingness to learn.”
Dan then went on to deliver a guest lecture for the Rock Up Ready! cohort, focusing on the practical and strategic considerations that come after completing a short film.
“It allowed me to share some of the lessons I’ve learned throughout my own journey. I’ve been really pleased to hear from attendees who have since put those ideas into practice,” Dan says. “It’s been really rewarding reconnecting with BCU. Everyone involved with Rock Up Ready! has been wonderful.”