Media Production students work on set at the home of British film-making

Media Production undergraduates from the University of Northampton visited the home of the British film industry where they received trade tips from a legendary cinematographer.

The students were invited by Sony for a studio training day at Pinewood Studios, in Buckinghamshire, which is home of the James Bond movies, two Harry Potter flicks and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, amongst others.

During the day they spent time with Robin Vidgeon, who is known for his work on Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Hellraiser horror movies. They also worked with state-of-the-art cameras on real film sets.

Tim Coley, Senior Video Lecturer at the University, said: “This visit was so important for the students’ development, particularly having the opportunity to talk to Robin and listen to his advice about breaking into the industry.

“He also introduced students to staff at Movietech, a camera, grip and workflow rental facility, including their managing director.

“Robin believes gaining work experience with a company like Movietech is priceless if you want to contacts in the industry – and I believe several of the students handed out their business cards!”

Mitchell Williams, who is studying Media Production and Moving Images, added: “It was really good to meet some veterans of the industry and pick their brains.

“The trip gave us plenty to think about in regard to our professional development, because we were able to see the industry from the perspective of somebody who has already been through it.

“I’d recommend the course here at the University, because it gives you the time to learn about the different areas of the industry, which allows you to find out exactly what it is you want to do.

“I want to continue learning more about the industry and eventually work within the production side of film, and studio training days at places like Pinewood can only help me achieve my ambition.”

Tim added: “Trips like this are essential in keeping us, as lecturers, up to date with current technical development which we can pass on to students.

“For example, I have been telling the students about Sony’s new F65 motion picture 8K cameras and oversampling in relation to 4K film production – and during the training day they actually had the chance to work with these amazingly versatile cameras in the workshops, on real film sets.”

A short film of the visit can be viewed on our YouTube channel​.