/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/04-profiles/41-undergraduate-student/profile-ug-performance-and-media-abi-pritchard.jpg)
At the Iris Prize Film Festival, I produced a podcast linked to the event.
Switching paths and finding the right creative environment
I’ve always been interested in creativity, but for a long time I ignored it. Studying drama and media studies at A level reignited that passion, and when I realised geography wasn’t the right direction for me, I came to USW through Clearing. The course stood out because it offered such a broad mix of creative subjects, giving me the chance to explore different areas and figure out what I enjoyed most.
Since joining, I’ve had some great interactions with the industry. At the Iris Prize Film Festival, I produced a podcast linked to the event and got to meet people working in areas I want to go into. I also watched classmates interview creatives and heard valuable advice from professionals. Seeing people doing the kind of work I aspire to made the experience even more motivating.
Find your courseDeveloping confidence and technical creative skills
One of the biggest surprises has been how much I enjoy behind-the-scenes work. Vision mixing stood out as something I didn’t expect to love, and I’m excited to try more camera work as I grow my skills. I’ve also worked on assessments with film students, as well as collaborating with performance and media students in other year groups, which helped me understand the direction the course can lead me in.
The facilities at USW make it easy to create content both inside and outside the course, from the podcast room to the cameras, lighting and sound equipment. Knowing these tools are available removes a lot of the barriers to experimenting creatively. The biggest skill I’ve developed is confidence and having supportive lecturers and classmates has made a huge difference. If you’re thinking about joining, my advice is to treat every challenge as a learning curve.
Employability and Careers/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/08-subjects/music-and-sound/subject-music-production-mixing-desk-11108.jpg)
Interested in Music, Drama and Performance?
USW Music and Sound provides real-world simulation, education and networks that prepare students for successful careers within the music industry.