Yee, I am a BAFTA member
Guess what? I am officially a BAFTA Connect member! And let me tell you, I am over the moon about it! The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is a big deal, and being a part of it means I get to rub elbows with some of the industry’s most creative minds and talented peers. It’s like a dream come true!
It takes me back to the days when I studied film at the University of West London and landed a part-time gig at a film festival.
So, picture this, I’m almost a broke uni student, and I was desperately searching for a part-time job. I was so desperate that I even went to an induction for a waitressing job at a restaurant. They made me buy black pants and a shirt. But on the morning of my 1st day at the restaurant, I got a call from the festival offering me a part-time position. Thank goodness for that, or the restaurant would have been stuck with the world’s worst waiter!
Working at that film festival was a turning point for me.
I started out as an admin person but quickly moved up the ranks and became the festival’s video content creator. I even got to interview some big names in the industry, like famous actors and filmmakers. It was such a blast!
But it wasn’t just about the fun and glamour of meeting celebrities. Working at the film festival allowed me to expand my professional and social network, and even gave me the confidence to talk to new people. I used to be so self-conscious, being dyslexic and all, but working at the festival and attending film events helped me develop communication and leadership skills that I still use today.
And let’s not forget the benefits of having work experience while still in uni. It helped me pay for my college expenses and even gave me a head start in my career after graduation. In fact, I landed an editor and media operator job at a production company in SOHO just two weeks after finishing my degree!
So, if you’re a student, I highly recommend working while you’re at Uni. Even if it’s not in your field of interest, you’ll gain real-life experience and develop transferable skills that will be valuable when you’re ready to enter the workforce. And who knows? You might even end up rubbing elbows with some famous people like I did!
Here are some Pictures from my early days at the film festival.
