Ethan
Garrett

What made you choose to study at NTU?
“I chose to study at NTU as I had heard fantastic things about the University from my older brother, who had also studied and graduated here.

Aside from this, I had heard of NTU's fantastic reputation in the field that I wanted pursue. I visited other universities on open days before visiting NTU, no others matched NTU's professionalism and quality. Jayne, the course leader at the time, was extremely friendly and confident on the open day, and she spoke with me personally on the day to reassure me that my lack of drawing skills would not hinder my experience. I knew immediately that I’d have the resources and help at NTU to help me achieve my best.”

Have you had any speakers or lecturers from industry visiting as part of your course?
“We’ve had many production designers visit us at NTU, all of which have been extremely helpful in providing an insight into the industry that we wish to enter. Chris Seagers, the production designer for the Alien: Covenant film released in 2017, as well as Sarah Greenwood, the art director for films such as Disney's Beauty and the Beast (2017), Sherlock Holmes and Atonement are just some examples of the industry guests that we’ve met. The opportunity to speak with these designers first hand is priceless, and it happens regularly.”

Has your course included any trips?
“In Year One our course visited the Harry Potter Studios Tour in Watford. It was really interesting to see how some of my favourite films were made using a wide array of effects.”

Have you completed any work placements?
“I’ll be working on the BBC/HBO drama 'Gentleman Jack'. The art director of the production is a Design for Film and Television graduate and contacted the University offering this opportunity.”

Why would you recommend your course to others?
“I would recommend the Design for Film and Television (DFTV) course, as it has not only enhanced my pre-existing skills but has also provided me with new skills such as technical drawing and storyboarding. Through the three years’ worth of the projects completed whilst on the course, you can see huge improvements in everybody’s work. All resources you’d expect and need to complete work are available for you and similarly course tutors and lecturers are always happy to help. In my entire time studying DFTV, I’ve never had a day in which I’ve not been able to speak to a tutor for help with work. Even when a tutor you wish to speak to is not in, they made it very easy to contact them in other ways such as email.

"I've also had so much fun studying the course. If you are a creative person and interested in entering the film or television industry, I would suggest studying DFTV. My advice would be to avoid letting your pre-existing skills put you off applying, as I’ve never been confident with a pencil but instead used my skills with computers to create work which I never thought I’d be able to. DTFV allows everyone to use their own style and skills to succeed.”

Which aspects of the course have you particularly enjoyed?
“I’ve loved creating visuals for my projects the most, as it’s always been one of my strongpoints and my favourite part of projects. My background with graphics has helped me to create visuals from a digital 3D model, and then creating renders artwork from that. However, now that my skills have improved with help from tutors and fellow course mates, there isn't anything that I don't enjoy doing in each project. In Year Three, we were able to provide our own briefs for two major projects, and this has been fantastic as I’ve been able to break boundaries of my own imagination. Thanks to projects like this, I now have the skills that allow me to create anything that I wish.

What do you like the most about your course at NTU?
“The best part of DFTV is completing your work around others who share the same passions as you. In the studio, people are always communicating, bouncing ideas of each other, and helping others. The atmosphere is wonderful and it makes going into university so exciting. As well as this, the tutors see us extremely often and because they know us well they understand our strengths and where improvements can be made.

"DFTV is a very close-knit course that shows a strong sense of community. We are always updated with what's going on around NTU and all the events that are coming up, which means I've never felt behind or left out of the loop.”

What do you think of the facilities available to you at NTU?
“The University offers a variety of facilities. In the studios, we have computers (all with their own scanners), full size drawing boards, printers of many sizes, as well as model making materials – all free to use. As well as this, the building in which DFTV is located provides free laser cutting, 3D printing and photography/filming equipment. Personally, I have found the laser cutting and 3D printing equipment to be invaluable, as it has helped me create models for my projects. As well as this, there is always help with using this machinery, so I've been able to use this facility very efficiently."

What do you think of the course staff?
“The tutors on DFTV are fantastic. The entire course runs incredibly smoothly and professionally, and I can always get one-to-one tutor feedback whenever I need it. There has never been a day where I wasn't able to see a DFTV tutor in person for help or a time when I’ve been nervous to ask for advice. Every single staff member, including administrators and technical staff, have been so friendly. It really makes the course what it is.”

Where do you hope to be in five years?
“I have always had an interest in the theme park industry, and so I’d love to work in the creative process of designing new attractions and experiences. Luckily, DFTV provides skills that not only open doors into film and television, but many other avenues.”