Alysia Wildman BA Film and English Literature, 2014
VFX Production Coordinator at Moving Picture Company (MPC)
Southampton has a varied and strong extra-curricular offering for those wanting to 'simulate' working in the film industry on a small scale. It was my involvement in these that gave me the confidence to apply to post-production facilities.
I studied BA Film and English Literature at Southampton and took part in a wide variety of different activities both within my degree programme and extra-curricular activities outside of my degree which gave me a lot of skills that I have been able to use in my career as a VFX coordinator.
Southampton has a varied and strong extra-curricular offering for those wanting to 'simulate' working in the film industry on a small scale, through SUSU TV, Wessex Films and Union Cinema.
It was my involvement in these, particularly the initial experience and technical understanding I gained as an Editor on Wessex Films that gave me the confidence to apply to post-production facilities.
During my degree I spent my holidays doing work experience/placements or internships with a range of companies, and it is these, combined with my degree that have allowed me to develop and hone essential analytical, organisational and research led skills.
I am now working as a VFX coordinator at Moving Picture Company (MPC) where I have had the opportunity to work on The Martian, Spectre and The Jungle Book. My role encompasses post-production scheduling, tracking shot progression, maintaining databases, recording/communicating client feedback and working with VFX supervisors and artists to resolve any creative or pipeline issues.
I would encourage potential students thinking about studying at Southampton to make sure they participate in extra-curricular activities or societies that can be applied to, or give insight into, possible media roles.
Do not view your degree as the only goal. Look to develop a wider skillset, and use your time at university to learn various industry software or skills.