An amazing year for creative media lecturer, Melissa

Creative media lecturer, Melissa Tisdale has plenty of reasons for celebrating.

The department’s video production company at Walsall College has enjoyed a successful launch and one student is a two-time national award winner.  And just recently, creative media students and staff raised over £1,000 so far for the charity, Mind.  This is for their forthcoming film festival.

On top of all this, Melissa is in the running for Pearson National Teaching Award.  Winners will be announced in June.

“It’s been a rollercoaster year.   I’m proud of everything we’re achieving,” said Melissa.  “All our hard work is paying off, which is brilliant.

“Being shortlisted for the BTEC Award is the icing on the cake –  I can hardly believe it.”

Melissa’s award nomination recognises her pivotal role developing and launching Future Flames Productions.  The company began officially operating in November 2020.  It has been creating films for organisations including NHS, Walsall Council and whg.

She is also praised for encouraging students such as Jonathan Morris to go the extra mile.

From starting out on an entry level course, Jonathan progressed all the way up to a HND in Creative Media Production.  As a result, he was named 2020 BTEC Creative Media Student of the Year and Association of Colleges Higher Education Student of the Year 2021.

In addition, she has been instrumental in coordinating the Love & Life Festival; an end of year show taking place in June. Further information can be found by visiting the Future Flames Love and Life Film Festival event page.

Melissa added: “My aim is for students to develop their skills in an environment that mirrors our industry.  This will lead to them joining a strong professional network that supports their long-term careers.

“I’m excited about all our students’ creative potential and the future collaborations they will be getting involved in.”