Spotlight on Talent – Lana Millard

Studied: Level 3, HNC and HND Creative Media Production (TV & Film)
Progression: BA Hons Film Production – University of Wolverhampton

Lana Millard believes her ability to share people’s life stories and experiences through a visual medium has improved throughout her four years at Walsall College.

The support of her lecturers has contributed to this.

“The lecturers in the creative media faculty all have unique insights and their own perspectives to share with students.  This has made us stronger as filmmakers starting out in industry,” said Lana.

She also describes the students and staff that form the creative media department as ‘like a family’.  This is partly because together they launched the college’s in-house company, Future Flames Productions.

Each year since 2020, they have produced content for clients such as commercials and information videos, as well as captured footage of corporate, commercial and public events, including showreels.

These have all provided Lana with extensive filming and editing experience.  They have also helped her become confident in liaising with clients and meeting their video requirements.

“I’ve had more industry experience at college than I could ever have hoped for,” continued Lana.

Lana has also been able to pursue projects that resonate with her on a personal level.  One of these was a movie she wrote, produced and directed which was shown at the college’s 2024 Film Festival.

The Peaky Blinder was inspired by research carried out by Lana’s uncle their ancestors and was a tribute to her great-grandfather.

“I hope to keep making my own films in future,” said Lana.  “Either as a freelancer or employed.  There as so many human-interest stories out there that deserve to be told.”