Meet the Alumni - Stephanie Robinson

Our Meet the Alumni series is designed to give you an insight into what our recent graduates are up to and their experience at the Met Film School. 

This week we meet Stephanie Robinson who studied BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking.

I studied the first BA in Film (Digital Video Production & Film Studies) that the school ever did, starting in October 2007 and graduating in October 2009. I chose this course because I wanted the academic rigour of a degree and the depth and variety of study this would provide, and because of the in-depth practical work the course entailed. I applied to the Met Film School because I definitely wanted to immerse myself in the environment of a practical-based film school, as opposed to studying a purely theoretical film course at a regular university, and also because the school is based at Ealing Studios and is an advisory partner of the NFTS - both things that made a good impression on me. To me, it seemed to be one of the best practical film courses out there for undergraduates, with some of the best resources and tutors who also work in the industry.

How would you describe your time at the School?

My time at the school was incredibly busy, as my degree was a three year course taught in two years, so it was really intensive - but to me it was an invaluable experience and one that has given me the skills and experience necessary to begin my professional career in film. I learned an infinite amount about film and the filmmaking process - both practically and theoretically - and got the experience I needed to know how to make my own films, which also boosted my confidence in my own work. I made some great friends who I am still close to today and continue to collaborate with, and have stayed in touch with the tutors and staff who were particularly inspiring and supportive during my time at the school. It was one of the busiest times of my life, but applying to the school was one of the best decisions I have made.

What was the highlight of the course?

For me personally, one of my favourite modules was a theory module on Documentary film - it opened up my eyes to the history and variety within this one genre of film, and further inspired me in my aim to one day be a successful documentary filmmaker. I also loved the TV Production module, a practical module where we had the opportunity to create our own 'live' TV shows in a multi-camera studio environment; I loved the fast-paced creative atmosphere on set and in the control room, and it made me consider live television work as something I would like to explore further professionally. However I think the ultimate highlight of the course was watching my graduation film on the big screen at our graduation screening, in front of all my classmates, their families, and our tutors - it made all the stress of the pre-production process and the shoot so, so worth it.

What were the advantages of being taught by industry professionals?

I feel we were at a definite advantage by having tutors who also worked in the film industry - they had years of real professional experience, as opposed to being lecturers on film theory who had never set foot on a film set. They were able to give us detailed practical advice about the filmmaking process, from pitching ideas to working on set to career advice and support. Their ongoing involvement with professional projects outside of their work at Met Film School, and their contacts within the industry, are very valuable to the students and have helped me personally on more than one occasion.

What projects have you worked on since completing your course?

The vast majority of the work experience and employment I have undertaken since graduating has been through the school's Professional Practice Certificate scheme, and through the various contacts I made whilst a student there, which have proven to be incredibly useful. I went straight from graduating into an internship at the London office of The Weinstein Company, assisting in the Development and Acquisitions departments, and then worked as an office assistant and runner with the UK Jewish Film Festival.

I then worked as the 1st assistant director on a short psychological thriller titled 'Eating Scarlet', which has just completed post-production, as well as continuing my work with multi-platform creative organisation The Virus Project where I was a core team member of the film and media branch, Infected Media, working to cover major London club nights and conducting interviews with various DJs, artists and promoters.

I also worked for a short time as an assistant and researcher for Met Film School tutor Emma Lindley, and was the videographer, editor and interviewer for Elite Model Management's annual nationwide model scouting competition. Earlier this year I also had the opportunity to work with BAFTA award-winning filmmaker and photographer Alison Jackson as the production manager for her weekly short films for the Sunday Times website, an incredibly busy but rewarding experience.

I have just finished working with former Met Film School student Aashni Shah on her short film 'Home Run', in the roles of production manager and 1st assistant director, and am looking forward to seeing the finished result. At the moment, I am producing and directing a corporate documentary for Evolve Beauty  about the company's founder and the ethos behind the range. I am also writing a feature-length script in my spare time, and always exploring further work opportunities.