Learning from Masterclasses

Final Day / Industry Day / Progression routes Masterclass

For our final session at the BFI Film Academy, we took part in an industry day where we heard from guest speakers who currently work in the industry, hearing how they came into the industry, what their job is, and what their job entails. This Masterclass was lead by Holly Black, and we heard from guest speakers Miky King, Jane Zarakowsi, Freya Billington and Rich Warren.

MIKY KING

Currently, Miky King is currently a Producer/Director at ‘Drummer Television’ working in Documentary Film making and is BFI Film Academy Alumni. She took part in the same course as me, the ‘Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Drama BFI Course’ in 2014. The year later in 2015, she then went on to complete the residential NFTS course. Then in 2020, she went on to win the 2020 RTS flying futures award. Miky highlighted that going to University, keeping in touch with her BFI mentors and taking every opportunity that she was offered has helped her get where she is now.

Throughout her career, she has worked at a multitude of production companies in both paid and voluntary roles and she has also created a plethora of short films and documentaries, some of which have been entered into film festivals.

Thanks to this masterclass and the BFI Course as a whole, I have learned that while working in the Film and Television industry is hard, can take a long time to get into, it is extremely rewarding exciting and exceedingly fast-paced. You will work many long nights, make mistakes, lose footage, miscommunicate and even hit a creative roadblock. however, because all of your work and your co-workers work all collate into an amazing final product, it is worth it.

After listening to Miky King, I have learned about quite a lot of progression routes and opportunities including University courses, the NFTS residential course and BBC and ITV Apprenticeships in editing, acting and directing. I have also been made aware of work experience opportunities and how to access these. Most notably Logging and transcribing for production companies. She mentioned that getting work experience is vital, and because production teams always need help with Logging and Transcribing, it is an amazing way to gain experience in the industry. Companies include the BBC and Chanel 4, but also smaller companies like the one she works for: Drummer Studios.

Routes specific for my development are the mentioned apprenticeships in acting and Directing. I think these would be wonderful for my personal progression as while I loved the experience of being on the production side of a short film, I would love to gain more experience in Acting for the camera. I have a deep interest in Directing also.

RICH WARREN

Currently, he is the CEO of the Encounters Film Festival here in Bristol. He first came into the industry as a filmmaker. He then found himself working at the film festival. The Encounters Film Festival is an International Short Film Festival, which acts as a gateway to the BAFTA’S, Oscars and the EFA (European Film Academy). He is now the CEO and runs the festival. Hearing how Rich got into the industry has taught me that going to Drama or Film School isn’t the only way to get a job in the industry. Rich started his career at entry-level jobs, free work, opportunities and internships which can provide unmatchable experience. Apprenticeships for example are an amazing way to get paid and gain experience in a professional environment. It also gives you a great way to join the industry and gives you the opportunity to work your way up, having a go at a multitude of jobs on the way.

JANE ZARAKOWSI

Jane has a masters degree after studying at university and having many years of experience in the industry. This taught me that although University courses aren’t the only way you can get a job in the industry, they are extremely helpful to gain specialist knowledge in your field. It also taught me that having years of experience can help you with your understanding of the industry and how things work. This can build upon your University knowledge, and help your career to skyrocket.

Jane also spoke a lot about networking and the importance of it in the modern film industry. She mentioned how it is great to keep in contact and make links with people you have worked with, also reaching out and registering your interest in projects is also very beneficial, You may not be needed for the piece, but getting your name out there will still help your career. Knowing the correct person at the correct time in the correct room could be the difference between getting a job and not.