If I have one regret about my time as a Media student at UEA, it’s definitely that I didn’t get more involved in the Norwich film scene. Here are a few simple things I would’ve done different, and hopefully they’ll inspire you to take the leap and create.

Join Unthank Productions 

Unthank Productions is the university’s filmmaking society. It’s a great place to get involved with the production elements of filmmaking and find people to create with. Making a film is so much easier with a team, and with a mix of beginners and experienced filmmakers, you can learn from others and connect with people that make cool projects happen.

Be Proactive

Norwich is such a creative city. Although I feel I’m ready to move on, it’s such a good place to go out and start creating. University flies by fast and if you don’t decide to dedicate time to commit to projects, other things will fill up the time. Sit down, write up ideas, practise whatever side of filmmaking you’re interested in. Finding the time to build on your craft can be the difference between an idea being just a thought vs a project. 

Check out Guest Speakers 

As an AMA student, the amount of times I got an email about a cool guest speaker from the film industry coming to UEA, decided I wanted to go and then completely forgot it is a bit embarrassing. Don’t be like me. Read your emails, set reminders, bring a friend. The film industry loves to gate-keep barriers of entry, so advice from an industry insider is invaluable.

I hope this short list inspires a budding filmmaker to get a bit more involved in the extracurricular side of filmmaking at university. You’re paying 9k a year, make use of the resources the university has!

Image: Unsplash