Elom Agagah - Media Student
I came to Lewisham College because this course
would give me the chance to study more of the practical side of
media production.
I'm in the second year of the course, and it's been very good.
We've made a lot of productions - from TV ads to factual film
documentaries to music videos.
You get to work with industry standard equipment and learn how
to use Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Photoshop, etc. You also learn about
the codes and conventions of film making.
In the future I hope to work in television, either as a
director, editor or camera operator, as I'm comfortable in all of
those roles.
Our tutor's previously worked in the industry, so he's passed on
a lot of his knowledge to me, and helped me appreciate the
importance of getting every detail right in film making.
By doing this course I've learned that you should never settle
for less - always aim high and believe you can succeed.
If anyone's looking to join the media department they should do
so with dedication and zeal. Listen to all the advice your tutors
give you. You've got to hit the ground running.
Nigel Duckers - Media Lecturer
In my time in the television industry, I've worked
for every major broadcaster. I'm a factual programme specialist and
I'm also a professional director and producer.
I was always interested in journalism; I edited the student
magazine at university. During that time I worked out that to get
into the industry, you have to have something specialist to
offer.
I got into television because I was interested in religion - I
started working for ITV researching religious documentaries. When
Channel 4 started 25 odd years ago, I joined one of the first
production companies who were making programmes with them. I've
also got an interest in food, and was the Director for the BBC's
Food & Drink show. I've also reported on food for Radio 4 and
The Guardian.
I had 25 years in the industry, and it was time to move on.
To teach this subject effectively, you've got to have worked in the
industry.
Here at Lewisham College we've got very professional staff and
industry standard equipment, including a multi camera studio. The
students work on real projects that involve them getting out and
about in the community. It's not like school teaching - it's
realistically what you'd expect to do in the industry.
Media's probably the most fun course that the College offers, but
then i would say that.
What can I do next?
The Media Department has strong community and industry links.
Over 90% of second year students progress to University to study a
range of courses including Television Production, Digital Media,
Production Management and Journalism.
We have a progression agreement and longstanding relationship
with Ravensbourne College, who are a Skillset Media Academy and
renowned for their industry links.
Students have progressed to several other media academies,
including Central St Martins and Southampton Solent, as well as to
many other centres of media excellence in London and throughout the
UK. Former students work as independent producers and in technical
roles within the industry, including on Big Brother.