Last week we caught up with Jessica to find out about the classes she took here at Eden Court and her journey to university in Edinburgh.

Tell us about what you are studying

I am studying BA Film (Hons) at Edinburgh Napier. It is a very full on course, which is largely practical! At the moment I am my first semester, which is focusing on tableau work and how we can develop narrative through camera movement. On top of that we are filming regularly, doing script and lighting workshops, plus getting to grip with AVID, the editing software used in the industry. It has been great so far, and I’m excited to continue!

What sparked your interest in filmmaking?

I always knew I wanted to go into film, from a pretty young age! I think the exact moment, if I remember correctly, was me watching Steve Backshal exploring the tropics, age 10. I remember wondering more about what goes on behind the camera and how that would be a pretty good job! It was only when I got more interested in film, through theatre, and making my own short films did I realise that I absolutely loved what I was doing and was kind of addicted!

What classes did you take at Eden Court?

As mentioned, when I was younger I was involved in theatre and drama. This resulted in me attending courses at Eden Court since I was young. I’ve done everything from LAMDA exams to doing my Higher Drama qualification through the theatre. It was only as I got closer to leaving school that I was able to get more hands on with film. This was largely thanks to the Adult Filmmaking Class at Eden Court, which gave me the opportunity to go wild with film, experiment and learn how to edit. The guys in the digi room have been totally invaluable on my journey, and I owe them a lot of thanks!

What do you want to do when you leave university?

The main aim is to establish my career as a drama producer. I’ve been producing several shorts for the last year now, and I’ve really enjoyed the role and the challenges it offers me; whether in pre-production or on set! I’ve also received encouraging words from industry producers so fingers crossed I’ll continue to build my career!

Are you creating any films at the moment? If so, can you tell us a little bit about them?

At the moment I’m producing two projects outside uni, both of which are in pre-production. One is a short drama based in the Galloway Forest. This project is with a great young American/Scottish writer called John Morelock. Currently we are just finishing the treatment and getting the pre-production groundwork laid. Secondly, I’m working on a short documentary, with NYFA director Miranda Mackay and BAFTA Cinematographer Dylan Starr-Adams, both of whom are ones to watch in the UK industry. This project is looking at the development of the Space Hub in Sutherland. I’m very excited about this project, particularly being close to home. Currently we are applying for funding and aiming to shoot by Autumn 2020.

Our new term classes go on sale on Monday 18 November at 10am. Book early to avoid disappointment as the film and digital animation classes fill up quickly.