New degree hopes to inspire budding directors

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is hoping to inspire the next generation of Steven Spielbergs with the launch of a new film-making degree.

Available from September at UHI colleges including Shetland College, the contemporary film-making in the Highlands and Islands BA (Hons) course aims to provide students with the skills needed to produce creative films in their local communities.

Taught by industry experts, topics will include editing and production techniques, writing for screen, small business planning and film studies.

Students will be encouraged to collaborate with local writers, musicians and actors to help them develop industry contacts and support the region’s creative industries.

UHI chairman of creative industries Robin Macpherson helped to set up the degree. A BAFTA-nominated producer himself, he has first-hand experience of working in the film industry.

Prof Macpherson said: “We are excited to be offering this new degree which will help graduates to forge careers in a variety of roles, including camera operation, TV or film production, editing, location management or programme researching.”

Shetland College acting principal Irene Peterson said: “The new film-making degree provides a really exciting addition to our university’s networked creative industries provision.

“Staff at Shetland College UHI are looking forward to being involved in supporting students locally on this programme from September 2016 in collaboration with colleagues at North Highland College UHI and Orkney College UHI.”

More about the new contemporary film-making in the Highlands and Islands BA (Hons) can be found at www.uhi.ac.uk.