AWARD -WINNING FILMMAKERS VISIT COLLEGE FOR EXCLUSIVE SCREEN YORKSHIRE MASTERCLASS
Students at Shipley College have taken part in a series of industry-led masterclasses this week, delivered in partnership with Screen Yorkshire as part of the College’s Connected Campus status.
Shipley College is the only college in the local area to offer this opportunity, bringing together students from Media, Fashion and Art to engage directly with professionals working at the highest level of the creative industries.
The programme, held in the College’s Enterprise Hub, featured a range of workshops designed to give students real insight into careers in film, television and content creation, alongside practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Karen Roch, an established British production designer and art director with over 30 years’ experience in the film and television industry, led a masterclass exploring roles within art direction and production design. Her extensive credits include major productions such as Better, Brassic, The ABC Murders and Victoria, as well as feature films including All the Lights Still Burning and A Very British Christmas.
During her session, students took part in interactive activities while gaining valuable guidance on entering and progressing within the industry.
Students also took part in a content creation and storytelling masterclass with Tee Hogan, a filmmaker and photographer from West Yorkshire. Known for capturing authentic, unfiltered moments and exploring overlooked stories, Tee’s session focused on how to create compelling narratives through modern content.
The programme also included sessions led by Debbie Howard, an experienced industry professional who worked as an actor in film and television for 20 years before founding Big Buddha Films in Sheffield. Her award-winning BFI Network funded short film Safe received Best Director and Best Screenplay awards at the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival in 2023, as well as multiple other awards worldwide. Debbie has also directed almost 100 episodes of television for the BBC, Channel 5 and ITV, and directed the critically acclaimed feature documentary Still Loved.
Her masterclasses provided students with an overview of roles within the film industry, alongside a detailed workshop on the making of Safe, offering insight into the full filmmaking process.
Debbie Howard, Career Support Manager at Screen Yorkshire’s Connected Campus, said:
“Through the Connected Campus programme at Screen Yorkshire, we are proud to have established a meaningful partnership with Shipley College. By bringing industry professionals in to inspire students while sharing valuable knowledge and real-world expertise, it has been particularly rewarding to see students engaging with the breadth of roles across the screen industries and gaining a deeper understanding of the wide range of opportunities available to filmmakers in Yorkshire. The sessions have sparked fresh ideas for their future careers, while also equipping them with practical insight into developing a successful short film from concept through to completion.”
The events provided students with a valuable opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals, develop practical skills, and gain insight into potential career pathways. As well as enhancing their creative understanding, participation in the masterclasses will also support students’ future applications for university, employment and industry placements.
The masterclasses form part of Shipley College’s ongoing commitment to providing industry-connected learning, ensuring students are well prepared for progression into higher education and employment. The College is also looking ahead to welcoming its first cohort of T Level Media, Broadcast and Production students this September, continuing to build strong links with industry professionals to support future talent development.
