Four Visual Effects and Post-Production (Film) Degree students from East Coast College’s University of Suffolk provision, spent two days working as paid crew members on award-winning Danny Boyle’s newest film set in Gorleston-on-sea!
Jake Allcorn, John Mason, Nick Giles and Joe Malcolm worked alongside Mr Boyle’s staff to help set the rigging and were even able to shadow key members of the crew. Alongside this, the students were also privileged enough to have in-depth discussions about the industry with Oscar winner, Danny Boyle; his assistant director, Richard Styles and Oscar winner sound recordist, Simon Hayes.
All students gained invaluable industry work experience which will help boost their employability after their courses. They have even been invited back to Danny Boyle’s big concert filming at the end of June.
Student Nick Giles, who aspires to work in camera operation, was one of the students fortunate enough to be invited to work on set. After completing the work, Nick said:
“This experience has helped me immensely because it has given me the opportunity to get real-life industry experience on a professional film set which is difficult to get anywhere else. I was able to network and make links and connections with people in the industry which I hope will open more doors for me in the future.”
Student Joe Malcolm also spent time on set helping the team. Joe said:
“The atmosphere on set was really friendly and helpful and I found it great to be able to network with people from the industry. I got to spend time with people from all different areas of the production team and learnt about all the different roles involved including ones I’ve never heard of before. Following this experience, I’m really interested in pursuing a career in video playback.”
Phil Bury, Visual Effects and Post-Production Course Leader, East Coast College said: “This was a great and rare opportunity for the students to be part of the action of a large scale film production. I went to see for myself how the students were getting along and found them in conversation with the crew and also standing right next to Danny Boyle – as near to the action as you can get really! I am very proud of all the students who took part and also proud to be part of producing the next generation of filmmakers.”