Sophie’s spotlight on media career

A career in the media beckons for Sophie ward, who has been working with a BAFTA nominated film maker.

Sophie, 21, of Newcastle, who graduates with a First Class BA (Hon) Media Studies, has a passion for writing screenplays and film production.

Since completing her degree, Sophie has been on an internship with Newcastle production company Bridge and Tunnel, working with BAFTA nominated film maker Tina Ghravi.

Sophie said: 'Tina's BAFTA nominated film I Am Nasrine is currently touring America. She has given me lots of useful advice on working in the industry and I am learning so much at Bridge and Tunnel.'

She added: 'I originally wanted to study script-writing, but as my A-level media grades were better than anticipated, I went through the UCAS adjustment scheme and was accepted on the media studies degree at Teesside University.

'The skills I learned from the degree at Teesside University were a huge help in getting me on the right path. I enjoyed the theories and applying critical thinking, as well as the more practical elements such as producing films and writing screenplays.

'I volunteered with the BBC as a runner during filming for a live CBBC show and during the final year of the degree I set up a film festival with volunteer-led cinema Star and Shadow in Newcastle.'

Also during the degree Sophie completed journalism placements at the Newcastle Chronicle and Sunderland Echo and went on to write a script which was submitted to the BBC for a writing competition, which led her to get involved in the BBC Writersoom at MediaCity in Salford.

She added: 'I am in the writer's squad and working with BBC Drama producer Jess Brown, who has been helping me to develop scripts. A radio script I wrote was chosen to be performed in Leeds as part of 15 Minutes Live, through theatre company Slung Low.

'My current work with Bridge and Tunnel is helping me to pursue a career in film-making, which is where my passion lies.'

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