When Ben graduated from our College over 10 years ago, little did he know that his career in the TV industry would guide him back to the College to inspire the next generation.
We talked to Ben to find out more about his amazing story:
My name’s Ben and I’m a Media Lecturer at the College. As a graduate of Bournemouth & Poole College myself who has worked in the industry for several years, I am hoping to pass on my knowledge and experience to students to help prepare them for their own media adventures.
I studied a Level 3 Diploma in Media Studies and an A Level in Film Studies here between 2007 and 2009. Whilst it was a tough decision not to join sixth form with many of my friends, at the same time it was the best decision I have ever made. Taking the leap and coming to college introduced me to a whole new world where I was treated like an adult and my confidence grew. The staff were passionate about their subjects and learning was fun. The College embraced my passion for video production with numerous practical lessons and opened my eyes to other areas such as film theory which ultimately made me a better film maker.
After finishing my course I had some fantastic opportunities. I secured an internship for an English TV channel in Spain where I got to work as both a camera operator and editor. They even agreed to broadcast my second-year student film!
The biggest highlights came when working in London for Evolutions TV. Here I came in contact with “The Only Way Is Essex” and “The Graham Norton Show” as the main Post Production Supervisor within the machine room for both projects. This came with its own perks, especially being able to watch live recordings and attend wrap parties!
During my five years at Evolutions I worked on a number of high-profile shows, such as “The Apprentice”, “Take Me Out”, “An Idiot Abroad” and “Top Gear”. What I enjoyed most about my time was training up the next generation of editorial assistants, and watching them grow in skill and confidence.
All of this success ultimately came from my time at The College, which had given me the confidence and the tools to go out into the world. Even the CV template I used to get the job at Evolutions was created in a lesson at The College with the help of my tutor, and it still serves me well to this day.
And so here I am now, my career has gone full circle and now I want to pass on the tips and tricks I have learnt along the along the way. From Post Production Runner to Edit and Media Support Manager, I’ll be sharing stories from the world of TV and stress the importance of being able to make a good cup of tea no matter what job role you are in!
What I am enjoying the most about joining the College as a lecturer is that I am learning with the students and 10 years on, the lecturers that taught and inspired me are continuing to do so. I am incredibly excited and honoured to be part of the Media team here.
