Creative media pros share industry insights with Walsall College students

Some of the region’s most notable and popular media industry professionals came together at an event to inspire Walsall College students.

The Creative Media Industry Day saw figures from broadcast journalism, presenting, producing, directing and editing speak to around 50 students training to follow in their footsteps.  Each guest spoke about their career journey so far, including highlights, the advice for those starting out and tips on how to get the best from their work.

The guest professionals were:

Bob Warman – one of ITV’s longest-serving news anchors and ITV Central presenters

Trevaughan Omari – self-shooting director and photographer with experience across unscripted broadcast TV, digital productions and high-end music promos

Andy Richarson – producer (BBC Drama)

Melissa Wong – edit Producer and Solomon Smith – production apprentice (BBC Three)

Rakeem Omar – freelance presenter

Sacha Jones – presenter/social media content producer

Nicole Justice – branded content producer

“Our students loved every minute of the event,” said Melissa Tisdale, Programme Lead for Creative Media at the College.  “It was an incredible opportunity for them to hear directly from professionals at the forefront of broadcasting, film-making, commissioning, producing and directing.

“What really stood out was the diversity of voices and experiences represented.  It reinforced that this industry is open to everyone, but success comes down to resilience, persistence and a commitment to honing your craft.”

Melissa continued: “Hosting the event within our creative media facilities, including the suites for Future Flames Productions, our in-house student enterprise, also allowed our guests to see first-hand the environment in which our students develop their skills.

“While Birmingham is widely recognised as a hub of creativity, we are equally committed to ensuring that surrounding areas like Walsall benefit from support and exposure too.

“It was great to hear our guests praise both our facilities and the enthusiasm of our students.  The next step is to encourage others across the industry to explore the projects delivered through Future Flames Productions, alongside our year-end productions and summer showreels — all of which demonstrate that our college is truly a focal point of emerging talent.”