Creative Media success leads to promising career in TV Production

George Allen left Impington Village College (@ImpingtonVC) with a keen interest in film and photography and while he knew that he wanted to develop his skills and knowledge in media, he wasn’t sure how far he could take this ambition. George enrolled onto the L3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production course at Cambridge Regional College (@CRC_College) to start his journey in the Creative Industries.

George said,

“When I arrived at CRC, I had average GCSE results and didn’t think that I would be able to get to University, especially as I needed to re-sit my English Language. I passed my English in the November of my first year and this helped me to concentrate on my Media course. The course gave me a lot of flexibility and it helped me to develop a wide skillset that will be useful in the industry. There is a lot of practical work, and the theory supports what you are trying to achieve.”

Unfortunately, George found himself caught up in a cycle of switching between online and on-campus learning as the pandemic evolved, but with determination and focus, he achieved a Merit at the end of his first year. 

George added,

“I was pleased with a Merit, especially as the lockdown meant changing my original plans on the course. During the second year, things really started to come together for me, and for my final major project, I produced a short wildlife documentary at home, about my Savannah Monitor Lizard, Wilson. To support my project, I wrote to an award-winning wildlife cameraman who had inspired me, and he took the time to write back to me with feedback and a few tips, which really boosted my confidence.”

George went on to achieve a Distinction in his final major project and for his Diploma overall, securing a place at the University of Gloucestershire studying BA (Hons) TV Production.

George concluded,

“I am looking forward to my university experience. The fact that I have been taught by lecturers that are industry professionals with current knowledge of the sector gives me great confidence. You know that the advice they are giving you comes from experience.

I have learnt how to design and manage a film project, including risk assessment, scriptwriting, camera work, sound, and editing, I know how to research, credit and plan and I have learnt how to manage my time effectively, something I found difficult to start with. I am confident in engaging with professionals, and I can reflect on my own practice. The skills, knowledge and experience I have gained at CRC will give me a great advantage upon starting my degree.

I arrived at college unsure of what I could achieve, but the practical and project elements of the course suited my learning style and I have achieved far more UCAS points than if I had gone down the A-Level route. I have got into my University of Choice and qualified for an Academic Merit Bursary. You never know what is possible until you try and finding a course at a College like CRC, that suits your learning style, can make all the difference!”