It was a complete coincidence that I came across the London Screen Academy (LSA) - a prime example of being in the right place at the right time. I met an old friend who I had not seen for 10 years who was heading to a sixth form fair, so I went along with her. LSA was exhibiting. Talking to the academy made me realise that working in film and TV was not something you just dream about or do aside from your career like a hobby. It could be a viable financial option.
The woman was talking about job roles in film and TV that I had never heard of. I just thought that there were actors and directors, but there are so many roles that you can work in. Where I grew up, these things were never presented as an option. I did not realise that my love of Marvel films, that saw me getting up at some ridiculous hour when there was a new release to get tickets, could be translated into a career ambition.
After talking to her I thought ‘this is real, I can do this. I might not have any connections in the film industry but I can still do it’. I come from a Nigerian background. There is a pressure to fit into jobs that make you financially secure. The only way parents understand success is to go to university and get a degree and get a job in finance, in medicine or in another traditional profession. It comes from the best intentions but I felt that hovering over me.
Aged 16, making the choice to do something that was out of the ordinary was so scary for me. Now my family is very supportive, but in that initial moment – breaking away from the comfort zone - it was very hard. I did not apply to any other sixth form apart from LSA to let my family know I was that serious. I thought ‘they are not going to take me seriously until I take myself seriously’.
My commute from Essex to LSA’s north London campus took about an hour and 50 minutes each way, so it was a big commitment - especially alongside my part-time work. LSA was a great opportunity. There were so many resources. Now I have left, I do not have those same resources and I ferociously miss it.
In hindsight, I wish I had jumped in more. LSA students are really active, making podcasts and short films, but I did not think I was good enough because I was new to the game. I kept thinking I have to learn, marinade, let myself mature but that is the wrong philosophy to have.
To anyone thinking of applying, I would say you have to get stuck in. Learning and education can last forever but you have to start doing something. My advice is if you have the initiative to do something, just do it. Do not wait on it. One of the best things about LSA is the industry department which helps students network and get jobs. It is absolutely superb and the people that work there are so nice and kind and they honestly helped me so much.
After doing my course in film production, I did an intensive traineeship at Warner Bros. I’m now working as a camera trainee on the BBC’s Call the Midwife as part of a Prime Video-funded training workshop, in conjunction with the National Film and Television School. I am so excited to be here at Longcross Studio in Chertsey, Surrey. Up until this point I had only worked on a commercial and a music video, so I do not have a lot on set experience. Being here as we film the new series and seeing how the protocols work and experiencing the hustle and bustle is amazing. LSA got my aspiration going but Warner Bros and Prime Video have helped me start from the bottom. It is not a direct route; you have to work yourself up in stages. My aim is to have the contacts to secure another role and keep going. This industry is very much about who you know so you need to build momentum and take advantage of any and all opportunities.
As told to Julie Henry
