Mikayla Stevens is looking to pursue a career in filmmaking after finishing her creative media studies at Telford College.
The former Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby student first heard about the course at an open event, after finding her creative passion studying media and photography at GCSE level.
“I’ve had a great time studying at Telford College, I don’t want to leave!” says Mikayla. “I love the relaxed environment to study in; we’re given a lot of creative freedom and any support from staff we need to help develop our skills.
“For my final project, I wrote, directed, edited and starred in my own short film, a psychological thriller inspired by films such as Lisa Frankenstein, Scream and It Follows. I learnt a lot of skills during this project, from managing a team, acting and directing, as well as problem-solving and resilience to allow me to realise my vision.
“We also studied factual programming, learning about the production behind news broadcasts and documentaries. In addition, we did a personal project; we researched future job roles to understand what they entail and pursuing it as a career.
“I’ve really enjoyed improving my filming and photography skills, we’ve learnt a lot of new techniques, including low level lighting and double exposure. As well as projects emulating other artists work, we’ve been given a lot of freedom to create and develop our own styles.
“I enjoy the mix of theory and practical, I remember on my first writing assignment I went so in-depth that the paper ended up being 33,000 words long!
“I’d like to eventually go to university, although I’m looking to take a break from my studies first. I recently started volunteering at the Wellington Orbit cinema, which I love.
“As a class, we first started working at the Orbit during our course, to help with their archiving project. As the cinema was getting refurbished, we were invited in to take photos and videos of the before, during and after process.
“I really enjoyed working with the team at the venue, I just decided I wanted to do more. I’ve been working on the till, making drinks, cleaning and checking stock, which I feel has improved my customer service skills.
“I’d like to be a filmmaker in the future. I’m looking to get another job to help pay for my time and equipment, allowing me to make the projects I want.”
As well as filmmaking and photography, the two-year course also allows students to develop technical skills in graphic design, introducing them to work to real-world clients and creative briefs, and producing a portfolio to showcase skills to employers and universities.
Creative students had the chance to discover the world of Hollywood VFX through a talk with Shropshire-based artist John Kay.
Joe Adams, curriculum team leader for creative media and art at Telford College, said: “Mikayla has worked tirelessly throughout her two years with us and produced work to the highest standard.
“It has been great to see her fully engage with all the opportunities that her media course and the college offer. She has grown in confidence and developed an array of professional and practical skills.
“She has been a pleasure to teach, and it was amazing to see her achieve the highest possible grade for the course, three distinction stars, an outstanding success!”
