MEDIA students from Reading got a chance to peek behind the curtain as they attended a launch event at Berkshire’s own slice of Hollywood.
Creative media production students from Reading College and University Centre visited Shinfield Studios for the launch of Screen Berkshire.
They joined a number of stakeholders in film and television to witness the launch of an initiative which is aiming to make the industry more accessible.
Students were given hands-on experience with a live set, and worked with a number of different members of the production team to get a taste of different careers.
Screen Berkshire, previously known as Berkshire skills cluster, received £600,000 of funding from the British Film Institute, which will be used to train emerging production talent by bringing down some of their barriers to entry in the field.
The programme is led by Resource Productions, who are working with the University of Reading, Shinfield Studios, Bedlam Film Productions, Berkshire Film Office, and all six Berkshire local councils to bring programme of screen sector training activities.
Lera Coicev, studying a Creative Media Production Level 3 Extended Diploma, said: “It was a great opportunity to see a massive sound stage and how a professional set is built.
“I enjoyed working with the University of Reading students and making new connections– I learned what the first assistant director does on set and how involved they are with everything.
“It has helped add more on set experience to my CV and personal statement for university applications.”
Alex Deacon is also studying a Creative Media Production Level 3 Extended Diploma at Reading College and University Centre.
He said: “It was an amazing experience and a wonderful chance to see what a working set looks like.
“I enjoyed making connections with other students and working with professionals in the industry.
“I learnt what all the different colour tapes meant when being used on set, and more about all the different types of equipment used in the different departments on set.
“It has helped show me what a high-end production would be like and what to aim for in my end goal in the industry.”
Sean Daniels, media teacher at Activate Learning, said: “It was a wonderful opportunity for our Level 3 students to gain some hands-on experience on a live set and learn more about the different roles.
“Some of the students got to work with the director of photography, lighting, assistant director, make-up, costume, sound.
“Some lucky students even got to assist Gareth Ellis-Unwin, the Oscar winning producer of King’s Speech.
“A fantastic day and hopefully more to come as the Screen Berkshire scheme grows.”
