Katie Higgins is a Film Production student based at our Liverpool campus looking to use our course as a launchpad to take her career to the next level.
In our interview, Katie shares more about her experiences on the course, life in Liverpool and her future ambitions.
Read more in our new blog and contact our team if you’d like to learn more about the courses we offer.
Tell us about your passion for film. How did it start?
My passion for film began when I was a kid, but I wasn’t consciously aware of it. I used to make really poor animated films when I was about ten. Then I stopped doing that for a while, but when I was around fifteen, I got really into watching films. I started studying film at GCSE and A-level, and eventually decided to give it a go by not going to university but focusing on film.
Why did you join SAE? and how have you found it so far?
I joined SAE because it was a two-year course, and I saw that it would allow me to get the most out of those two years. It felt like a bit of a safety net – if it worked out, I’d save a lot of money since I don’t get student finance. The accelerated pace was appealing, and I didn’t want to waste time.
So far, I think it’s been a good experience. The tutors get you making a lot of films, and they shorten the production windows over time, which hones your skills.
What is the community like at SAE?
The community at the Liverpool campus is close-knit. The classes are small, so we all know each other and are friendly with our lecturers. Staff are very welcoming, and the smaller class size makes it easier to get noticed by lecturers, which helps them see your strengths and areas for improvement.
Why did you decide to study in Liverpool?
I chose Liverpool because my dad is from here, so I’m familiar with the area. I was considering Brighton and Manchester, but their rents were high, and Liverpool is more affordable. The city is easy to navigate, and everything I need is close by, which makes living here less stressful.
How do your tutors bring their professional experience into the classroom?
The tutors share their past experiences depending on the lecture topic. For example, when discussing crowdfunding, my lecturer showed us one of his pitch decks that secured funding from the BFI. They also stay active in filmmaking, which keeps their teaching grounded in real-world experience.
What has been your favourite part of the course?
My favourite module has been the narrative module because I got to direct and edit. I wasn’t initially bothered about directing, but it was a good experience, especially since it was everyone’s first proper narrative project, so there was less pressure. Writing scripts, though, isn’t for me – I prefer editing and piecing everything together rather than being the ideas person.
Have there been any moments of inspiration during the course?
One of my classmates and I talked about doing more projects outside of university.
He knew someone who wanted a music video, and we ended up doing a three-day shoot that was chaotic but fun. I was a camera assistant and edited the video. It made me enjoy working on music videos, and it was a great experience, especially considering we had no budget.
Have you collaborated with students from other courses?
Yes, for the music video project, we worked with two audio students, and they were great. Normally, our teams are small, but it was nice to have a few more people on set to share the workload.
Do you have any advice for upcoming students considering SAE?
Be prepared for a lot of group work. It’s important to do your part, but also be okay with letting go of things you can’t control. Micromanaging doesn’t help, and you get out of the course what you put into it. So, just do your best and stay involved.
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.
