Hi, I’m Katie, and I study BSc Film and Television Production at York. I’m going to tell you about some of the amazing facilities on offer when you study in the School of Arts and Creative Technologies.
The television studios at York
Have you ever been interested in live broadcasting? The school has three amazing television studios you’ll experience during your degree at York! Studio 1 is the largest at 1,894 square feet. There are so many things you’ll get to try out in here. You’ll be able to try your hand at camera operation – there are five Sony HXC-100 cameras – live editing, directing and more.
You’ll get to experience various television formats including live drama, game shows and music. These fast-paced environments are challenging but really rewarding. I have learned so many new skills that I can apply to my future career. I came into my degree with an interest in filmmaking, so I’ve loved the practicals on offer. In my second year, I even got to create and shoot my own show!
Practical Filmmaking
If you’re interested in documentary filmmaking or short films, there are plenty of workshops to help you get started with the equipment. From setting up a camcorder on a tripod to connecting a boom microphone to a sound recorder, you’ll learn the basics and more complex practices.
I hadn’t had any previous practice on equipment before coming to uni, so this was invaluable. You’ll even get to learn to use software like Premiere Pro!
By the end of the semester, you’ll have all the basic tools you need to develop production as a group, from pre- to post-production. My favourite part of this process was using the equipment on location.
The Holbeck Cinema
The Holbeck Cinema is a 140-seat digital cinema! You’ll work on practical assignments and take module lectures in here. There are also project screenings, Q&A’s and masterclasses held in here.
If you’re eligible for one of the School’s many masterclasses, you’ll get to build your network and meet industry professionals! It’s a brilliant way to gain industry insights and develop future career plans.
Placements and Careers
Thinking about your career can be daunting. I know it absolutely was for me. In your first year, you’ll get to try things and see if a placement year is right for you. Students from the School have taken placement years with NBC Universal, National Geographic, and Disney.
Whether you’re interested in doing a placement or not, the best advice that I have been given for applying to these is to look early. Lots of these applications open from September. If there’s something you’d like to get involved in, do some research into the programmes available and their deadlines.
If a placement isn’t for you, there are a lots of opportunities within the School. You can become a student ambassador or an intern. You can work as a social media producer and expand your digital marketing skills.
I hope my blog helps you learn about the different facilities and career options available at York. Remember to enjoy your first year and get involved with as many things as you can!
Hi I am a student looking to study film production at york. I just wondered how practical focused the course is as i am looking for a course that is going to be more hands on than theoretical. Are your short films funded by the school and how easy is it to work on your own small film projects outside of school practicals ? How easy is it to take out equipment and do you have to pay extra if it is for your own use? Does the course allow you to specialise?