Alumni student James returns to the College in an unexpected role.
After beginning his further education journey at a local sixth form, alumni student James Homer soon realised that was not the route for him and took a gap year to weigh up his options. James always had a passion for videography and production, so decided to enrol at Middlesbrough College on our Media Production course.
James said: “I absolutely loved my course at Middlesbrough College, it helped me pursue my passion. I made some brilliant friends and learnt skills for life. It was so different to my experience at sixth form, I felt independent and loved being in the heart of Middlesbrough studying.
“My teachers at Middlesbrough College helped set me up for life, and I still look back on what they taught me to this day. Even though it’s been 15 years I still remember my tutors Kevin, Daniela, and Tony, who all taught me over my 2 years at the College. They were so supportive of me and were always there to answer any questions I had, nothing was too much of an ask.”
After finishing at Middlesbrough College, James went on to study TV and Film Production at the University of York. During his time at University, James won an extremely prestigious award, judged by Roger Deakins, a world-renowned cinematographer best known for working on Skyfall, Blade Runner 2049, 1917 and many more incredible films.
James said: “After winning the Studio Canal Grand Fury award for my short film ‘The Prescription of Man’ I felt incredible, knowing the entries were judged by a cinematic ledged. I think Middlesbrough College helped push me to create work of this standard.
“After University I began working as a studio floor manager, broadcasting 8 hours of live TV a day, which soon became very mundane as I like to get stuck in and creatively form pieces of work. This is what made me take the leap and start my own business. I haven’t looked back since.
“First came Jolly Films, which is my wedding videography business. After winning the Wedding Industry Awards North East and Yorkshire regional award in 2018, I thought I am ready for another challenge and want to push my skillset even further. This is when I established Hue 21, for corporate events and promotional business videos. I then discovered my real passion for corporate videography and is the reason I have landed myself back at Middlesbrough College!
“I was approached by National Electrotechnical Training a few months ago, who mentioned they were going to be taking part in a competition, being held back at my own College! NET were taking part in the Electrical Engineering section of WorldSkills and wanted me to film the event for them. When I was approached with this opportunity I thought, wow, NET picked me out of so many brilliant videographers based in Teesside to film such an amazing event being held at my old College, it almost felt like fate.
“I have one team member, however I film and produce most of my work by myself, so to be asked to film such an important event makes me realise I am doing something right! I look back at my time at Middlesbrough College and realise the learning here made me into the all rounded videographer I am today. I enjoy my job and can do it all thanks to my learning and experience.”
James has created a name for Hue 21, and has worked with some big clients around the North East and Tees Valley areas. James has especially enjoyed working with Stockton Borough Council on some of their bigger events like ‘Supercar Saturday’ which is always a hit with locals.
James finishes by telling us: “I am honoured to be back filming at Middlesbrough College for WorldSkills, it really does feel great to be back even if it is only for a short time. In the future, I hope to venture into the world of full feature films and documentaries, I think that would be super interesting and a great experience!
“I would 100% recommend Middlesbrough College to perspective students, I hope by reading my story you are inspired to follow in my footsteps.”
Find out more about James’ two business ventures, by visiting www.jollyfilms.co.uk and www.hue21.com.
Course: Media Production