Professional Perspectives

Three excellent guest speakers made presentations and took part in a Question and Answer session with Year 3 students on Tuesday October 14 as part of the Professional Perspectives module.

Discussing the theme of commercial and public service radio, Marcus Bronzy (pictured), is introduced by module leader Dr Ken Fox. Marcus Bronzy is a presenter at Capital Xtra.

Following this Andy Garland (Senior Broadcast Journalist) and Gordon Davidson (Editor in Chief) from BBC Radio Kent spoke passionately about public service radio.

Andrew Parkin was a guest speaker on the Professional Perspectives module on Tuesday 21 October 2014. Andrew is an alumnus of Canterbury Christ Church University where he studied Film, Radio and Television Studies and American Studies.

Andrew gave a masterclass on the direction and production of his most recent documentary “Extreme Brat Camp” screened on Channel 4 to excellent reviews and a strong audience on October 8, 2014. Andrew discussed the ethical dilemmas faced by documentary makers when the subject matter is controversial and likely to offend.

During the last four years Andrew has produced and directed documentaries for the BBC, Channel 4, National Geographic Channel (US) and National Geographic Channel (UK)

Sam Espensen is the MD of Conversation Creation, a PR company specialising in delivering outstanding communications programmes for a range of private sector and public sector companies. Clients include The National Trust, Dunlop Goodrich, The Viral Factory, the Bomber Command Memorial and the Red Arrows.

Sam has 15 years’ experience of working in journalism and PR; she is also a member of the Industry Advisory Panel for FRTV. Sam is an alumnus of CCCU where she studied FRTV and American Studies.

Pete Wallace is also an alumnus of CCCU where he studied Film, Radio and Television and English. After completing an MA in Animation at Bournemouth he spent 10 years in London working in the Visual Effects industry and contributing to Hollywood Blockbusters such as Superman Returns and The Golden Compass. Pete set up his own company butchauntie.com which provides Vjaying and real time visual performance for a range of events nationally and internationally. Pete is also a tutor on the Year 3 module Real Time Visual Performance and a member of the FRTV Industry Advisory Panel.

Dr Ken Fox, module leader, introducing Pete Wallace

Santiago Pilgrim (Video Production Manager) and Jack Low (Account Manager and an alumnus of Canterbury Christ Church University) of Zoodikers Consulting provided a very engaging session for the students on Building a Social Media Profile.

Areas covered included the students’ use of Twitter, Linkedin, Google+, with advice on how to develop an online portfolio using YouTube and Vimeo.

James Hartigan, who graduated in Film, Radio and Television in 1997, visited the Year 3 Professional Perspectives group on Tuesday 18 November, 2014, to provide a fascinating insight to the world of television and online production. Following a career in local, regional and national radio and film journalism, James is currently Senior Creative Producer, Presenter and Commentator with Halfords Media (UK) Ltd. They are the company responsible for much of the online and TV Poker Tournament coverage.

Sacha Wells (Assistant Casting Director) graduated from CCCU in 2014 with a first class degree in Film, Radio and Television. She was a student on the Professional Perspectives and returned to inspire and advise current students about jobs in the creative industries and how to make the most of your time at University in preparation for the world of work.

George Sonei (Editor, ITN Productions) An alumni of FRTV and Digital Media, George graduated from CCCU in 2013 and is now an editor at ITN Productions. He was a student on the Professional Perspectives module and returned to speak with current students about getting and getting on in the Creative Industries.

Elliot Gonzalez (Social Media Manager, UKTV) Elliot graduated in 2012 with a first class degree in FRTV and is now social media manager at UKTV. He returned to speak with current Professional Perspectives students to offer advice and guidance on how to make the most of their social media profile. Elliot is another former student of the Professional Perspectives module.