On Friday 8 March, three Level 3 Film and Visual Effects students from Westminster Kingsway College (WestKing) attended an event hosted by BAFTA and IntoFilm to celebrate International Women’s Day and National Careers Week. The event was held at BAFTA’s iconic London headquarters in the heart of the West End.
During the event, the students learnt about the industry from professionals in the field. They listened to first-hand accounts from those working in TV, film and games and gained insight into the range of opportunities available to them.
The students attended two panel discussions, one centred around the broad range of available careers, and another celebrating women in the screen industries. Each panel featured industry experts covering a variety of roles, and students had the opportunity to put their questions to panel members.
Panel members represented a broad spectrum of industry professionals and included, among others, a games designer, an actor, a VFX coordinator, a casting director and a director/writer.
Sarah Alieva, a Year 1 Level 3 Film and Visual Effects student, said “Once given the opportunity to attend a BAFTA Career Insight Session, I was beyond excited. Both panels have smoothly offered great information, thoroughly explaining what each role includes and what to expect. As we all are humans, we heard what the professionals experienced internally, their thoughts and how they overcame problems. It was comforting to know that others were struggling to find themselves also, and that we are not alone in that aspect. All my questions were answered without me attempting to ask!”
Another student, Liz Mfumu, said: “Truly insightful talks, I wholeheartedly enjoyed the women’s speeches and detailed advice about the industry.”