My name is John Clark, I am 31 years old, and I studied BND Moving Image from 2008 to 2010, followed by BA (Hons) Television Production and Screen Media from 2010 to 2013 at South Essex College. This is my story.
I first decided I wanted to pursue a career in filmmaking during my final years at school while completing my GCSEs. Once I had achieved the grades I needed, I visited the college with my mum. I remember being inspired by the different departments and how open and welcoming everything felt. It was a very different experience from school. I could focus on one subject and fully immerse myself in something I was passionate about.
At the time, I was living in Basildon, so the location of the college was also important. Being able to travel easily to Southend made it a practical choice. As someone with autism, I found that the routine of travelling regularly helped me build independence and confidence over time.
During my studies, I developed strong organisational skills, particularly through meeting deadlines and managing coursework. Communicating regularly with tutors also helped me build confidence in professional communication, something that has been invaluable when working with producers and industry professionals.
One of the most important aspects of my time at college was having the space to develop my passion. The supportive and relaxed environment helped me focus and grow, while also allowing me to build lasting friendships.
Throughout my course, I developed a wide range of skills that I still use today. These included researching film theory, scriptwriting, storyboarding, planning shoots and using editing software such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Final Cut. These practical and technical skills gave me a strong foundation for working in the industry.
After completing my studies, I created a short film called Asperger’s: And What Of It?, based on a longer documentary I had made previously. This was entered into the National Autistic Society’s Autism Uncut Film Awards, where it was shortlisted as a finalist in the Aspiring Filmmakers category.
If John’s story has inspired you to explore a future in film and media, now is the perfect time to take your next step. Our courses are designed to help you build practical skills, grow in confidence and develop your creative voice. Take a closer look at your options and join us at an open event to see how you could begin your own journey.