Alumnus to inspire next generation at London showcase
The co-founder of a London based film and television studio is helping to inspire the next generation of digital leaders at Teesside University’s annual exposition of graduate talent in the capital.
Panos Ioannou, the co-founder, director and head of production at Lightfield London, which creates films, television, commercials and much more, is one of the key speakers at this year’s ExpoTees London, an annual showcase of animation, VFX and concept art from the University’s School of Science, Engineering & Digital Technologies.
This year, ExpoTees London will be held at Teesside University’s new London campus at Here East in the former Olympic Park at Stratford on 27 June; offering a students a chance to showcase their portfolios and providing networking and recruitment opportunities for graduates and industry professionals.
Panos, who graduated from Teesside in 2005 with a BA (Hons) 3D Computer Animation, has welcomed the University’s expansion into the capital as it offers greater opportunities for businesses like his to collaborate with Teesside University.
He said: “I feel it is LightField’s responsibility to assist where we can with students, graduates, universities and the wider community.
“The proximity of the London campus to London businesses is an enabler for people like myself, my company and others to help make graduates opportunity-ready, build relationships and keep both universities and businesses aligned through advising and collaborating to strengthen the industry community as a whole.”
After leaving Teesside University, Panos worked for world-leading architectural firm Foster & Partners for 12 years, before co-founding Lightfield London in 2019.
His education at Teesside University provided the perfect platform for developing the studio, which produces high quality films and 3D animation for a host of leading brands.
He said: “Teesside University gave me the opportunity to be surrounded by an incredible mix of students, including some seriously talented artists and postgraduates.
Events like ExpoTees London gave me that peek behind the curtain of what it’s actually like to work on films, commercials, games, or architectural projects that truly captivated and inspired me.
“Working in teams and bouncing ideas off each other in the confines of our lecture rooms and classes created an excellent creative hub.
“At LightField, we aim to nurture this same culture of creativity and interconnected talent, striving every day to make our workspace a source of inspiration that empowers every individual to reach their fullest potential.”
Through networking with industry professionals and hearing from guest speakers, ExpoTees London provides an ideal platform for students to gain a real-world insight into the workings of industry.
“Events like ExpoTees London gave me that peek behind the curtain of what it’s actually like to work on films, commercials, games, or architectural projects that truly captivated and inspired me,” added Panos.
“It was a chance to ask yourself and probe into, ‘is this the type of company I can see myself in?’
“By speaking at ExpoTees London, I’m hoping to give students the same experience I had. I aim to reveal the essence of our company, share our work, and, where possible, address any questions students have about navigating their journey in this dynamic field.”
Professor Chrisina Jayne, Dean of the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, said: “We’re delighted that Panos will be able to inspire and guide the next generation of Teesside University students through his involvement with ExpoTees London. “As a graduate of the University, students will be able to relate to his journey and give them the ambition to emulate his success.”
Tickets to attend ExpoTees London are free and can be booked here: https://www.tees.ac.uk/schools/scedt/expotees/london.cfm
