Our second-year creative media students had an exclusive tour of the Birmingham Screen and Film School in Digbeth, part of BIMM university (British and Irish Modern Music). It is a dedicated film school which offers undergraduate and post graduate courses to the filmmakers of the future.
Eighteen students made the trip to the prestigious and highly regarded film school, which also has locations in Manchester and Brighton. The institute offers courses specifically in filmmaking but has recently expanded into the gaming industry.
They got to use the school’s state-of-the-art facilities as part of workshops in lighting and directing for film, with the school’s vastly experienced industry lecturers on hand to offer guidance to improve their craft.
As part of the directing workshop, students acted out a scene decided by the group’s prompts. They were then assigned various roles such as director of photography, hair and beauty maintenance and script writer. This allowed them to experience different roles whilst building their communication skills, showing what can go right and wrong on a professional film set.
They then had a lighting tutorial, which introduced students to the different effects that can be achieved from various techniques, such as three-point lighting and how different angles change a mood or perspective on camera.
Before setting off for home, the group had the opportunity to experience the Custard Factory section of the Digbeth graffiti walk. The 3-mile-long art trail starting at Snow Hill station enriches the regeneration of the former industrial area of Digbeth.
It captured the imaginations of the students, with Erinn Pope saying “It was very motivational and elevated my confidence to explore HE opportunities” and Liam Topham-Holland adding “The directing workshop was really fun and had been designed by Christopher Nolan! It will definitely help when I come to plan my film shoot.”
Joe Adams, creative lecturer, said “We have maintained a positive relationship with the film school for several years. We have previously visited them for workshops, and they have also delivered practical sessions here at the college.
“The workshops were both incredibly useful as the students are currently planning their final project where they will produce short films for Camp Bestival, another live client brief.
“Providing students with the opportunity to visit universities is hugely important in our creative area and it is something we programme into the academic year. Physically experiencing the environment and facilities at HE level always inspires and motivates students to think positively about their progression and future careers.”
Inspired by this outstanding trip and the student’s experiences? Take a look at our creative courses or visit our next open event.
