Day in the Life… When Creative Media students worked on a live professional film set

This blog was written by student Ethan Abbot, who is studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media at Ardleigh Green Campus. He shares his experience on a live professional film set during the Set in Motion industry bootcamp held at Eastbrook Studios. From hands-on production tasks to learning directly from industry experts, Ethan gives an inside look at how the two-day event helped build skills, confidence and exciting future opportunities.

Creative Media students from New City College were given an exciting taste of life on a professional film set during a two-day industry bootcamp at Eastbrook Studios.

The experience was delivered in partnership with Film Barking and Dagenham and MBS Group, and formed part of the Set in Motion initiative.

Here is Ethan’s blog:

My time at the Set in Motion bootcamp was an eye-opening experience. Getting the opportunity to work with and witness a real production in action was great. It was refreshing to see how true professionals work in our field and collaborate with each other to create something that is almost magical to witness happening in real time.

Our first day at Eastbrook Studios was our orientation – getting to grips with the space as well as listening to lectures from the various heads of departments who we would be shadowing the following day. Even when you have an understanding of the amount of work and varying disciplines that go into making any production, seeing it all first-hand can feel very daunting but everyone who worked at the studio was supportive and incredibly helpful.

Ethan, below, speaks to one of the film crew.

Creative Media students from New City College took part in a two-day film and TV bootcamp experience in partnership with Eastbrook Studios, Film Barking and Dagenham and MBS Group.

Our first tour of the studio and the set was amazing. To see such a well-equipped and professional space up close and personal was mind-blowing and being able to carry out practical, hands-on tasks at the same time was such a unique and rare experience that I feel very lucky to have been a part of.

The second day at the studio was the day of the production. We had the whole working day to film all three pages of the script we had been given. Everyone split into groups working with a specific head of department, shadowing them and helping with their role within the production. I was part of the group shadowing the director. We got to work with all the varying department heads communicating the director’s creative vision to make the whole production run smoothly and create a great output at the end of the day.

For me, one of the best parts of the bootcamp was the vast networking opportunities it presented. I was able to talk to industry professionals from cinematographers to art directors and even R&D professionals and the conversations I had with these people has led to further meetings and the chance at new opportunities that may hopefully turn into jobs and careers for me in the future.

Kickstart your career in Creative Media

If you’re ready to take the next step towards a career in film, digital media or production, New City College offers a range of Creative Media courses that combine practical learning, industry insight and professional development.

Apply now and start your journey in one of London’s most exciting and fastest growing creative industries.

Photos: Chris Larocca and Jimmy Lee