Student’s in Vogue for photoshoot
A CARMARTHEN film-making student has played a key role in a photoshoot for Vogue magazine.
Tom Smith is a third year student on the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) BA adventure filmmaking course at the Carmarthen campus.
He was in charge of rigging a production consisting of a 100 people for a photoshoot of a handbag in Margate on the Kent coast.
The completed project will now will feature in future edition of Vogue - one of the world’s most prestigious monthly fashion and lifestyle magazines.
During the 13-hour session, photographer Harley Weir – who shoots advertising campaigns and lookbooks for major labels – wanted to feature one shot on top of the cliffs, and Tom’s role was to be in charge of the ropes and to keep her and the crew safe during the production.
Tom said: “Through networking, I ended up meeting a contact of mine who just worked in these very big circles.
“I mentioned that I had a passion for the outdoors, I was hardworking, and I was willing to throw myself at the deep end essentially.” As a student of adventure based film-making, Tom was attracted to the course for many reasons.
Growing up in North Wales, he had a passion for the outdoors, but also his creative brain led him to think that he would like to earn money doing something which he enjoyed. He wanted to find a practical course that would suit him. After searching for a course, he ultimately chose the one in Carmarthen.
Tom said: “You’re given briefs on the very first day you arrive, and you know what exactly needs to be done by the deadline. In between, it’s filled with opportunities.
“It’s up to you what you chose to do, but the more you throw yourself at it, the more you’ll get out of it.
“From taking part and filming search and rescue exercises to being in the studio the next day learning about camera angles and working with actors, which is completely different.”
When Tom first joined the course, his tutor Dr Brett Aggersberg told the class that by the end of the course the department wants to see their students leave as self-sufficient, professional adventure filmmakers.
Following the news of Tom’s work experience, Dr Brett Aggersberg said: “We are extremely pleased for Tom as his experience is an example of one of the many opportunities available in this exciting field for graduates of our BA adventure film-making degree.
“Tom has been able to combine his climbing expertise with the skill and knowledge of a creative film-maker to benefit Vogue’s shoot.
“It’s more important than ever for students to think of themselves as professionals in training and make the most of every opportunity. To make their passion their profession.”
One thing Tom likes about the course is that it portrays the reality of working in the industry, adding: “The course prepares you.
“We talk about equipment a lot, like what you need, but to use it, you need to learn the logistics.
“You’ve got to know it’s just not turning up to film, but it’s the days planning beforehand to deliver and the postproduction afterwards.
“The realistic nature of the course prepares you for the outside world.”