This week, I met with Sky’s Creative Director, (Design), Ceri Sampson and National Film and Television School Graphics and Titles Diploma course leader and experienced graphic designer, Hugo Hansell to find out more about the new course, which is delivered in partnership with Sky and includes a four-week placement working with the broadcaster’s design team.
Tell us about the Graphics & Titles Diploma and what makes it stand out from other graphic design courses?
Hugo: This course is completely unique; I don’t know of any other course that dovetails into the film and television industries like this one does. The course will be based around numerous aspects of film and TV graphics including both 2d and 3d and students will get to collaborate with those on other courses across a wide range of TV and filmmaking disciplines from Producing and Directing TV Entertainment to Fiction, Natural History, Science and Sports Production.
Who should apply and why?
Ceri: Anyone with an interest in working in graphic design in the television industry should apply for this course. The broadcast industry is so fast paced and Sky’s design team is constantly looking for new recruits who can hit the ground running. That is why completing a work placement where you get relevant training and real world experience in an environment like Sky - Europe’s largest design house - makes any candidate extremely attractive to a future employer.
Hugo: We’re looking for both practical and creative applicants. Maybe you’re inspired by the latest cutting edge technologies in graphic design from Vizrt to VFX or you might be highly creative and love pushing the envelope with your design ideas. Ultimately, you really need to have a passion for film and television and be committed to wanting to work in one of these exciting industries.
What will students experience on their placement at Sky?
(Example of an Ident a student might get to work on at Sky.)
Ceri: The design team at Sky is extremely large and many different disciplines work together including title design, channel branding and content graphics. NFTS students will be able to choose a particular area to focus on and immerse themselves in the broadcast environment. They could be working on titles for the latest sports programming, campaigns for programmes such as Game of Thrones or a rebrand and idents for the likes of Sky Cinema. There are creative opportunities for those who want to come up with ideas and storyboard them; or students could choose to focus on VFX or on honing Vizrt skills and working on real-time 3D graphics, video playout or sports analysis.
Hugo: The opportunity to experience working somewhere like Sky is extremely rare and will be a fantastic addition to your CV.
How can I make my application stand out?
Hugo: You’ll need to have a strong portfolio and be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in working in the television or film industry. Enthusiasm and visual talent are the most important things to showcase!
How do I apply?
Applications are open now for the full-time, 12 month Diploma and the course starts in January 2017. Apply here!
