I want my hobbies and passions to be my job
Now as a recent graduate of Creative Studies at the University of Wales, Bangor, she can take her achievements even further. I am determined not to spend my life in a 9-5 office job, and want my hobbies and passions to be my job.
I’m also motivated by the sense of making a difference, like making a documentary that can bring issues to the attention of a global public and then instigate a change.
Writing a feature film script for university
In my final year as part of my university work, I wrote a feature film script which I am now trying to get development money for. I also made a short documentary about civil rights in Britain, which I am continuing to work on now I have graduated.
Deciding what's important
It was definitely challenging to balance study with pursuing a music career and working in film. I still managed to have a bit of a social life, though not as much as my friends, but it never felt like a sacrifice. You just have to decide what is more important.
While studying I worked on my music, recording an album, gigging, getting TV and radio spots and networking. My filmmaking and screenwriting has enabled me to gain experience, grow as a writer and make valuable connections in the industry.
My degree helped to develop my skills and push me out of my comfort zone. Many of my tutors were active practitioners in the creative arts, so when I was pursuing creative projects they were extremely supportive.
Starting up our own film company
My partner Zac and I had made some short films and they were doing well at Welsh festivals, so we started up Ethos Films, to make everything more official.
He wanted to direct and light and I wanted to write. So it was a good decision. Now Zac has gone on to form a media production company who are getting commissions.
Being a writer, producer, editor and actress
I have been involved in many genres of film; sci-fi, documentary, drama, horror and even a Western. I have taken on many roles from writer to director, to producer, editor and actress!
Pre-production is stressful, especially if you’re working with virtually no budget, but when you see the end result, it’s all worth it.
A love of music and signing to a Welsh label
I had always loved music and began writing songs in my teens. After I finished school, I started making demos and sending them out to London labels to no avail.
At university I was offered a deal by top Welsh label Sain, and I went on to make an album. I gigged at Welsh festivals and venues, as well as having a lot of airplay on local radio.
I am in the middle of recording my first English language album in a folk-pop/rock acoustic style.
Planning on building a new website
I have a music video, photo shoot and new website planned for when I get back, and I am going to work really hard promoting it.
It’s pretty scary trying to get noticed in the music scene, but I’m going to keep trying and hopefully it will all come together.
If you want to be a creative - do as much as possible outside of uni
If you want to get into the creative industries, do as much as you can outside uni to stand out from the mass of graduating media students. And aim high. My advice would be just knuckle down and do it. You can so turn everything around in your final year.
Find out more: www.myspace.com/sarahlouiseonline
