Discussing diversity in the media industry

Four representatives from the media industry joined students during Subject Futures Week to discuss the important topic of whether there is enough diversity in films and on TV.

Femi Mosuro graduated from the University of Northampton with a degree in Media Production in 2013 and started his career as an intern at the Walt Disney Company in the media planning department.

He then moved on to work at NBC Universal, Sony Television and Encompass Digital Media. He is now working as a junior compliance executive with UKTV.

Serena Chloe Gardner is an award-winning filmmaker, actor and director, as well as being the co-owner and producer of London-based horror theatre company, I’ll Be Right Back.

Her debut short film ‘Lady in the Park’ won two awards last year; ‘Best British Film’ at Southampton International Film Festival 2016 and ‘Best Performance in a Short Film’ at Coventry Film Festival 2016. Serena also trained as an actor at Court Theatre Training Company.

Roswell Blake, President of the student LGBTQ Society at the University of Northampton is a second year Media Production student and won an award for the best screenplay at Northampton’s 72 Film Competition.

Rebekah Taylor works as a Film Exhibition, Distribution and Sales Trainee for the Northampton Arts Management Trust. She has recently curated a Black Musicians on Film season at the Errol Flynn Filmhouse for BFI Black Star.

The panel discussed their experiences of diversity within their media careers and talked about how they have overcome any issues or situations they may have come up against regarding ethnicity, gender, age, disabilities and even class.

Serena commented: “When looking at the statistics of diversity within the media industry, it doesn’t always look good, but it’s a good way of highlighting positive change.”

Femi said: “It’s all about making contacts and networking. The important thing in this industry is if you are offered an opportunity take it and run with it.”

Subject Futures Week is an intensive focus on graduate career opportunities and helps prepare students for the world of work. It is taking place this week from 23 to 27 January in the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology.

This year, casting directors, actors, designers, fashionistas and media professionals will all be sharing career advice and giving the students the opportunity to network and find out more about the creative industry.