Assistant Director returns to deliver media masterclass for students
Thu 09 November, 2023![Article Header Image](/media/elzeavlt/media-junction-with-david-underwood-4.jpg?cc=0,0.1044395694471784,0,0.3328191178115089&width=1036&height=583)
Film and television Assistant Director, David Underwood, recently took a break from his work on the new ITV drama 'Ruth' - amid a production pause on his role for the new ‘Star Wars’ movie - to return to his old stomping ground at the University of Bedfordshire and present a media masterclass for students hoping to follow in his footsteps.
David graduated with a Journalism degree from Bedfordshire in 2012 and has gone on to work on box office hits like Queen biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and family favourite ‘Paddington 2’. His impressive CV is set to expand as he is currently working as Assistant Director on the next instalment of the iconic ‘Star Wars’ franchise.
As part of the Media Junction event, David shared his career journey with students from the School of Arts & Creative Industries and answered their burning questions about breaking into the industry.
Speaking about this event, David said: “Media Junction is a great opportunity for the students. It gives them a rare insight of what to expect professionally after university and presents networking opportunities with real industry professionals. It's also a chance to inspire the students as to what can be achieved and to grow big ambitions.
“It was a very proud moment for me to come back and share my achievements with the current students. I still live in Luton, so I walk past the University buildings often and it always brings back fond memories.”
The Media Junction events run throughout the academic year and provide students the opportunity to create and build upon their networks, collaborate with peers from around the University, and hear from those currently working in the industry.
Madison Smith, a Media Performance student, added: “This event with David was incredibly useful as a student aspiring to work in the media. I managed to ask David about the challenges he has faced within the industry and his kind, honest way of speaking instantly stood out to me. We are all very grateful to have had David for our Media Junction and for having the opportunity to ask him questions.”
Rachel Clark, Senior Lecturer in Media Performance and organiser of Media Junction, also said: “It was a delight to welcome David back to the University and a true breath of fresh air to hear such exciting stories from behind the scenes of many well know films and TV shows. The students were in awe and inspired by his creative success, enabling them to consider areas for their future careers.”
The University of Bedfordshire has a range of courses available for those interested in film and TV production across the School of Arts & Creative Industries. Click here to find out more.
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