Media students gain ‘invaluable’ experience at film set bootcamp

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, delivered in partnership with Film Barking and Dagenham and MBS Group, formed part of the Set in Motion programme – which gives students the opportunity to learn in a live production environment alongside working professionals.

Over the two days, the students were able to shadow different production departments, work with a full film crew and create a final professional piece to include in their own showreels and portfolios. They will continue to benefit throughout the year from additional masterclasses and a CV and application clinic to help prepare them for progression after college.

Andy Greaves, Deputy Group Curriculum Director for Creative and Digital at New City College, said the bootcamp was an unforgettable experience for the students. He added: “We are so grateful to Film Barking and Dagenham, Eastbrook Studios and MBS Group for delivering an epic two-day bootcamp which took our students through all their departments and showed them how a film set works in real-time.

“Watching the production come together and seeing the students’ faces light up when we stepped inside one of Eastbrook’s huge sound stages was amazing.”

Among the participants was Ardleigh Green Campus student Ethan Abbot, who is studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media. He described the bootcamp as “an eye-opening experience”, saying the opportunity to shadow and work alongside various crew members was “invaluable”.

Ethan said: “Watching how the different departments collaborate to create something that is almost magical in real time was incredible. When we first toured the studio and the set it was amazing – seeing such a well-equipped and professional space up close and personal and being able to get hands-on experience at the same time was such a unique experience. I feel very lucky to have been a part of it.”

He was in the group working alongside the director during the production day, helping communicate the creative vision across the different teams.

But he said one of the highlights for him was the chance to network with people from across the industry, from cinematographers to art directors and even R&D professionals, and this had already led to follow-up meetings and potential new career opportunities for him.

Photos: Chris Larocca and Jimmy Lee

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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.