Jamie Randall’s University Journey: A Second-Year Media Production Student’s Perspective
Jamie Randall, a second-year media production student, is eager to share his thoughts and experiences on his university journey. With a passion for film, television, video games, and graphic design, Jamie’s story is a testament to how university can shape a student’s creative process and career opportunities. We sat down with Jamie to hear about his experiences and insights into the world of media production.
Why Media Production?
Jamie’s passion for media started early, and he knew that a career in the creative industries was the right path for him. "I’ve always had an interest in media, film, television, and video games," Jamie shares. "When it came to picking a degree, I’d done graphic design and media studies at A-level, and media production felt like a degree that encompassed them all in the most holistic way." He highlights how the media production course stands out for its breadth, offering a creative space for students to explore various forms of media without the narrow specialization that other degrees might impose.
A Glimpse Into the Creative World
When asked how his university experience has shaped his understanding of media production, Jamie reflects on how the course has made the field more approachable. "It’s broken down some of the barriers," he says. "I now see that it’s all about creativity. It’s creative people working together, often in a chaotic way. University has allowed me to not only study media production in a classroom but also gain hands-on work experience within and outside the university."
Jamie emphasizes the importance of freelancing and the chaotic yet fulfilling nature of the media world, pointing out that it’s one of the most exciting aspects of his studies. "I’ve enjoyed the chaos of it all," he admits.
The Challenge of Documentary Production
One of the most challenging yet rewarding projects Jamie has worked on was part of his documentary module. "We had to produce a five-minute documentary, and it was an open brief," he explains. "I love open briefs because they allow you to explore your passions, but they can also be overwhelming. He decided to make a documentary about vinyl records, and ended up speaking to store owners and driving to different with camera equipment for footage.
The long days spent filming paid off, as Jamie’s work has been widely seen, and he learned a lot from the experience. "The creative process taught me about resilience. It’s all about trial and error, and that’s how you grow as a creator."
Tools of the Trade: Equipment and Software
In the world of media production, the tools you use are just as important as the creativity you bring to the table. When asked about the equipment and software he’s worked with, Jamie shared some candid thoughts.
"Premiere Pro is my favorite software for editing," Jamie reveals. "It’s not as bad as people say, though I don’t want to give Adobe any money for it in the future. I’ve also been using DaVinci Resolve, which I’m enjoying more." However, when it comes to software he dislikes, Jamie doesn’t hold back. "WordPress is my least favorite software. It’s designed to make you pay someone else to do it. It’s incredibly unintuitive, and I just never want to use it again."
As for equipment, Jamie mentions that while he’s had the opportunity to work with top-tier gear like the Blackmagic 6K Mini camcorder, not all cameras are created equal. "The university has a variety of equipment, but once you get used to high-quality gear, entry-level cameras like the X15 are less appealing. Still, it’s all about being creative with what you have."
Creativity: From Ideation to Execution
Creativity is at the heart of media production, and Jamie walks us through his creative process. "Some of my best ideas come from conversations," he explains. "Whether it’s walking around or chatting with someone, the best ideas seem to form organically. For example, the idea for our vinyl documentary came from a casual conversation about record stores in Southampton, and it just spiraled from there."
Jamie believes that the key to creativity is not being afraid to fail. "I tell people to fear failure less. You have to be willing to take risks and try new things. Don’t pretend to be deliberate just because you’re scared."
A Proud Moment: Documentary Production
When it comes to projects Jamie is particularly proud of, the documentary stands out. "I’m really proud of our vinyl documentary. It didn’t come out exactly as I imagined, but it was such a rewarding process. The research, the conversations, the filming—it was all part of the journey, and that’s what made it satisfying."
He also mentions his first-year project, a series of short films and skits. "They’re the kind of thing I’ll probably cringe at in a few years, but at the time, they were a lot of fun to make. They turned what could have been mundane tasks, like using a camera, into something enjoyable."
Vinyl documentary: https://youtu.be/zsSFrSQ5qWc?si=WVn0z0i5kkSlZsGx
Freelance Work and External Projects
Jamie has also taken advantage of freelance opportunities outside of his course. "One of the most exciting projects I worked on was for a theater project called Home Theater Project Southampton, led by award-winning director Kerry Cross," he shares. "I filmed performances and documented the entire week. The experience was fantastic, even if the hours were misleading. It was a valuable opportunity to work with professional theater people and gain insight into a different creative field."
The Role of University in Career Growth
Jamie admits that if he hadn’t chosen Solent University, these opportunities might not have been as accessible. "I’m not great at networking, but by simply making myself available at the university and getting to know a few people, I’ve gained access to so many different jobs and opportunities," he says. "The equipment available here is another huge advantage. The ability to work with professional-grade cameras and gear makes all the difference."
Looking Ahead
As Jamie looks toward the future, he is excited about the opportunities that his degree and university experience have provided. With a strong foundation in both practical experience and creative exploration, he’s ready to tackle whatever the media production world has in store for him next.
For aspiring media producers, Jamie offers some simple advice: "Take your time, enjoy the process, and never be afraid to push the boundaries of your creativity."
Home Theatre Project: https://youtu.be/P7AQiG6M1BY?si=HjQOmtMsNSm0Ekje / https://youtu.be/PMqHKHvQB28?si=7suyfvnzabuMQej9
Jamie's Showreel: https://youtu.be/7ZceXYIjFyI?si=Th1OGqrg2Z2BtkLJ
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