Dante Ferrer is a Film Production student based at our Liverpool campus looking to use our course as a launchpad to further his career.
With a passion for the work of director Robert Eggers and a love of photography pushing his studies forward, we caught up with Dante to learn more about his SAE experiences so far.
Read more in our new blog and contact our team if you’d like to learn more about the degrees we offer.
How did your passion for film start?
My passion for film started at a very young age. I’ve always liked movies. My dad is a big cinephile, so he always showed me films. I just continued watching them, finding genres I enjoyed, and then started learning about directors and the kinds of films they make.
I began making films of my own when I was a kid, using my dad’s camera or phone, making cheap short films where I was the actor. I later studied film in college, got my A-levels, and after a brief pause, returned to film.
What directors are you into?
I really like directors like Robert Eggers. His films – The Northman, The Witch, and The Lighthouse – are amazing. I’m also excited about Nosferatu. I also enjoy romance and social movies like the Before series (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset). I’m a fan of international cinema too, especially French directors like Céline Sciamma, who made Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Tomboy, and Petite Maman.
How did you find the sae course?
I was looking online for places to study film near Preston and found an ad for the course. Initially, I looked at studying in Europe, as I wanted to move out of England. I attended an open day in Belgium but later found out the campus was closing. So I looked around in the UK and found the Liverpool campus, which was the closest to me.
What has your course journey been like so far?
I’ve really enjoyed the practical side of the course, especially handling cameras and writing scripts. The two-year course is intense, but it’s rewarding. You get a lot of hands-on experience and graduate faster.
What’s the sae community like?
The community is nice. Everyone is friendly, mostly young people interested in their subjects, whether it’s music, video games, or films.
It’s great to meet people who share the same interests. I don’t hang out with the Liverpool crowd much as I live in Preston, but the overall community vibe is really good.
How do your tutors bring their professional experience into the classroom?
The lecturers have industry experience in areas like editing, cinematography, and producing. They share their stories, provide insight into the industry, and offer advice on how things work. Their experience is really helpful for us.
What’s been your favourite part of the course so far?
My favourite module was when we had to create a documentary. I chose to focus on film photography, one of my hobbies. We did research and found a lady in Liverpool who has an analog photography business. We filmed a documentary about her work and the concept of film photography in the digital age.
Have there been any moments of true inspiration during the course?
Yes, when I shared some scripts I’d written before starting uni with my lecturers. It was inspiring to get feedback from professionals in the industry, hearing them say they liked my ideas and offering suggestions. It’s nice to be able to share ideas with people who really know the craft.
Have you collaborated with students from other courses?
Yes, I’ve worked with students from the music course. For our documentary, we needed a relaxing soundtrack, so we collaborated with a music student who created the track. It was really nice and worked well in our final cut.
Do you have any advice for upcoming students considering this course?
My advice would be to be ready to work hard and do your research.
The course offers great hands-on experience, but since it’s condensed into two years, it can feel intense. You need to schedule your days, use a planner, and stay organised.
STUDY FILM Production at SAE
If you want to work in film production, get to grips with the latest video editing software and hone your skills in a uniquely collaborative environment, then our Film Production degree could be for you.
With high-end digital cinema cameras and production suites, our facilities and expert tutors are well placed to give your career the best possible start in this fast-paced and dynamic industry.
