(Model)Making A Diverse Screen Industry - Danielle Duncan-Rosembert
The Model Making Diploma at The National Film & Television School is a one-year full-time Postgraduate Diploma where students gain practical model making and prop making experience on a vast range of projects spanning genres including fiction and animation.
The course boasts impressable high success rates with graduates often leaving the course and immediately starting work in the industry – putting their skills to the test.
As part of our Black History Month 2022 celebrations we reached out to 2022 graduate Danielle Duncan-Rosembert to catch up on her time at the School, being Co-Founder of BAFA UK and what else she’s working on at the moment.
Did you have any fears or expectations before applying to the NFTS?
Due to having just completed the last half of my degree from home due to Covid, I had been very apprehensive about how that could potentially affect my experience at NFTS as well as being anxious about my finances and how I’d find starting there. However, I was also extremely excited and had high expectations that I would learn so much whilst on the course.
What tools helped you overcome these?
I was able to overcome my financial fears through accessing funding to help me with my course fees, as well as assistance from family. The tutors were also incredibly supportive throughout the course, especially through lockdown. We had an additional module designed specifically for us to complete at home, with zoom tutorials and one to one sessions that were incredibly beneficial. Through Creative Access and being on their Set Access Scheme I also had a mentor throughout my time on the course who provided additional support and advice.
How has the NFTS helped mould your career path?
The NFTS provided me with outstanding training and a solid foundation to begin my career in model making. The assignments we were given mimicked industry pipelines and prepared us for the industry in the best possible way! Our tutors were passionate, experienced and gifted us with so much knowledge. I was able to obtain guidance for curating my portfolio, attend mind blowing masterclasses and I also had the opportunity to create incredible connections and networks for the future.
What advice would you give to potential applicants from diverse backgrounds?
I would say, if you want a career in the creative industry, go for it and apply! There is a great support system at the NFTS and opportunities for funding. The NFTS is a fantastic way to progress and be nurtured by the best in their fields who know their craft. Having the chance to work with world class training facilities is invaluable.
What can the industry do to better improve representation?
The industry needs to make education and training more accessible, providing resources for those who would otherwise be excluded.
Outreach programmes should start as early as primary school so that children can learn about the various roles in the creative industries. It is also important to see creatives that represent you.
Offering placements and coaching to those in entry levels roles is also essential in allowing those from diverse backgrounds to progress to leadership positions. Statistics from Inc Arts show that only 15% of the freelance workforce are from ethnically diverse heritage.
Do you have any other news to share?
During my time at the NFTS I co-founded an organisation called BAFA UK (Black Association for Arts) and we are holding our first ever arts and culture symposium on Friday 4 November at the Albany!
Our free ticketed event will showcase some of the skills, passions and expertise of the Black diaspora across the Arts and for all to discover and gain access into the tapestry of professional and vocational expertise.
Sessions taking place throughout the day to include:
- Black Lives in Music
- Bass Culture for Community Benefit
- Get into Comedy
- Working in Radio & Podcasts
- Decolonisation of the Archives
- Visual Effects & Production Design
- Screenwriting
- Directing for Film + TV
- Comic Story Workshop
- Othello 21 screening
- AND MORE, including a special guest performance
BAFA UK’s aim is to provide a platform for black artists and creators to widen their networks and connect with those outside of their usual fields of work. We wish to pave a way for better representation, the increase of opportunities for career development, greater equality and support across all disciplines.
This year has been a whirlwind so far, the first half of it I was working on a feature film which is an Apple TV production in the SFX prosthetics and prop department and now I’m currently working on a stop motion animation film as a model maker and set builder for the animation studio One6th. The film is called ‘Two Black Boys in Paradise’ and it is an adaptation of the poem written by Dean Atta which deals with themes of love, acceptance, homophobia and racism.
‘Two Black boys go on a journey of self-acceptance. Their love for each other and their refusal to hide it lands them in a paradise free of shame and judgement.’
This film really resonates with me and is so powerful, I’m so happy to be a part of something so meaningful and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!
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Find out more about the NFTS Model Making Diploma!
The only UK-based model making course located in a dedicated film studio environment. You will work individually, but also spend valuable time collaborating with your fellow students creating professional models, sets, props and puppets. This is a highly creative course, comprising of challenging modules, workshops, and tutorials.
Later in the year you will produce work on some of our short animations, many of which go on to win awards at festivals worldwide, giving you credits on high-quality films you can use as an invaluable calling card in the Industry.
Location Beaconsfield
Duration 1 year
Commitment Full-time
Scholarships available
Read more about Black History Month at the NFTS:
nfts.co.uk/blog/celebrating-black-history-month-2022-nfts