Foundation Degree Course
Story Published: 16th Apr 2012
When it comes to media courses, it helps to have the very best facilities and equipment and The BRIT School really delivers on both counts. The equipment we are using is top industry standard, which means when I finish the course I will be well versed in using the very same equipment that is used within the media industry. Bournemouth University is renowned for it’s media courses and I think the fact they chose to work jointly with The BRIT School on this degree course shows the quality of the teaching offered here. The teachers are brilliant; supportive and encouraging, they really push us to achieve the best we can and are always there to help and advise. The fact that many of the teachers have worked within the media industry themselves also gives us the added advantage of learning from their own experiences.
 Domenic Ellis. Foundation degree course student |
If variety is the spice of life, then this course is a vindaloo! Its wonderful to have the chance to cover so many aspects of the media industry; film, editing, games, apps and how to use social media correctly, so that we are able to get the best out of our work. We must all have watched something on YouTube at some point and the power it has to create astounding overnight success. How many pop stars had their first big break when they uploaded a home video of their performance on YouTube? Knowing how to create a professional looking film can make all the difference. This course really opens up your mind to the options that are available. When I first started the course I was intent on becoming a director/ producer but now seeing and studying other elements within the industry I feel as if my mind has been broadened to other possibilities. I may never have had this option if it hadn’t been for this course.
With so many performance strands also available at the school, it means, from a media point of view, there’s always something to film, record, or photograph etc. Having this kind of variety under one roof is truly unique. It also means that I never feel out of place wandering around with a camera around my neck. In some other colleges or Universities, you can feel a bit awkward walking around taking photos or filming, but here, it’s all the norm! With so many students feeling so at ease being in front of a camera there’s never any shortage of willing actors and actresses to take part.
The school’s links to the Industry through it’s governors also mean that we are always kept up-to-date with what’s new, which is important in an industry that is constantly changing and developing. It also means that a wide variety of people who have a wealth of experience from many years’ involvement within the media industry may see our work. This also inspires you to create the best work possible, as you never know who will walk through the door and watch your piece.
 Students FIlming in WhitGift |
One of my most recent projects is called Paul Puff. It’s a mockumentary about a magician who is billed as ‘the world’s greatest magician’ but actually turns out to be completely useless. It’s the audience’s reaction when they are faced with the unexpected disappointment that really fascinated me and provides the focus for the film.
The film started with a bit of student-canvassing in the Whitgift Centre telling shoppers about a fantastic new magician who was going to give a ‘David Blane’ type performance, for Channel 4. The invited audience turn up expecting to see some mindblowing magic and are instead presented with the worst magic performance possible. As the camera rolls, it captures that awkward silence and tension as each audience member starts to wonder ‘is it me or is this guy really awful?’ The looking around embarrassed glances, shuffling feet, creates film and television gold. The film was finished in the School’s professional edit suite and the final cut is well worth a look. Paul Puff will be available to view very soon on the Film and Digital Arts page of the School’s main website.
By Domenic Ellis