A Bright Spark

Recently, Jude Wenlock Simpson, HND TV Production Year II, worked on the production of feature film F, due to be released Spring 2010. Jude said, “I found this job through web sites given to me by my WKC lecturers - a three week paid shoot in a college in Cambridge with the 40 cast members and crew.” He explains, “It’s a horror film about a college where students go on a rampage towards teachers. I was a “spark” similar to a runner but works in the lighting department.”

“My main interest is lighting and camera and WKC tutors have definitely enhanced my skills. Our course offers a lot of freedom, where we put across an idea and we are left to film. We can run with our ideas and can be extremely creative yet we still receive expert advice and tuition. It’s almost like being on an extendable lead!”

“I have compiled an extensive portfolio from this course and now have about 15 pieces of work including one short film, two feature films and an untold amount of music videos. I’d like to progress to work on a 3rd year top up. I am thinking of studying at Canterbury Christ Church University.”

Check out the range of Media and Photography at West Kent College courses here.

Snow need to panic

The snow caused chaos around the UK in the first weeks of January but thanks to a lot of great work at the College, we were still able to open to those staff who could safely travel.

The decision was quickly made to close the College to learners in the interest of safety. Due to the snow-covered roads in many smaller towns and villages, and heavily disrupted public transport, many staff were also unable to make their way to the College. Those adventurous staff who were able to safely get to campus owe many thanks to the Estates team, who ensured the College sites were as safe as possible. The caretakers worked each day from 7am to clear pathways, roads, entrances and stairs and special mention goes to Galliford Try, the building contractors working on our Campus 21 regeneration, who sent a team of men to help out by clearing the roads and gritting the paths when Brook Street was at its worst. In the second week, Galliford Try even sent a digger and dumper to clear up the snow.

We couldn’t have done it without everyone coming together to help out, so a big thanks to everyone who ensured the College could operate as best as possible. We showed true grit, and it’s snow joke that snow-body does it better than us at WKC!