Two students aiming for a career in TV and film have hailed the exposure Screen Suffolk has given them to top productions after securing the ultimate work experience placement on the set of Detectorists.
The hit BBC sitcom began filming its third and final series in Framlingham earlier this month.
As part of its commitment to help get local people on board productions and help young people into the industry, Screen Suffolk helped two aspiring filmmakers to join the crew.
Aine Kirwan, 22, from Lowestoft helped the third assistant director, with roles including helping set up for the next scene and making sure the cast and crew were well looked after.
The set was the English graduate’s first experience on location, and has already been convinced by what she has seen to pursue a career in film and TV.
Meanwhile, University of Essex film student Lewis Adger, who lives in Marlesford, was working with the lighting department.
Both return to the production this week for more hands-on experience.
Aine said: “The first person I met when I arrived was Mackenzie Crook, the writer, director and star, that was a bit surreal, especially because I’m a big fan of The Office as well.
“The experience exposed me to so many different roles, all the different skills it takes to create the series. It was a great opportunity to see how it all works.
“I managed to have to one to one time with the producer [Gill Isles] which I found really inspirational. It convinced me that I’d really like to aim for that role in the long term.”
The pair helped film scenes around Framlingham College and the town itself, before moving on to scenes at the White Horse pub in the evening.
Lewis said: “It gave me access to people with loads of good experience in the industry to share. Being the BBC, everyone was very professional, very focused, doing a great job.
“They were really well organised, and really good at keeping to a tight schedule. You find that everyone knows what they have to do and they get the job done. Seeing it all come together was really good.
“Getting experience on a major film set is great and possibly the contacts were the best thing.
“There was no clowning around but it was well worth it.”
To find out more about how to get involved, visit the Screen Suffolk website here.
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