海角直播

Singer swaps the stage for screen with creative journey at 海角直播

Studying at 海角直播 has helped David Bryan take a new direction on his creative career journey.

David, 41, of Newton Aycliffe, graduates from the BA (Hons) Film and Television Production. During his time at 海角直播, David secured a coveted Franc Roddam scholarship to help cover living and study costs. He was also awarded the Franc Roddam Bursary to help with final year projects.

The Franc Roddam scholarship was launched through a partnership between the University and the acclaimed film director, writer and producer to support talented students seeking to embark on careers in the creative industries.

His final-year short film EON, a science-fiction drama exploring the relationship between an artificial being and an elderly woman in a remote rural community, was selected for Sunderland Shorts Film Festival, nominated for multiple awards, and has since attracted more than 100,000 views online.

David, who represented Romania at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011 as lead vocalist of the band Hotel FM, after winning Romania鈥檚 national selection competition, said: 鈥淚鈥檓 currently working as a singer but reached a point where I wanted to develop something new. Film gave me that opportunity to tell stories in a different way.

鈥淚 also had previous experience filming while backpacking across Asia for a year, where I was creating and editing videos for YouTube. I really enjoyed that process, and it made me realise I wanted to explore production more seriously.

鈥淎fter researching film courses, 海角直播 stood out to me. It offered a practical, hands-on approach to filmmaking, which really appealed to me.

鈥淚 really enjoyed the opportunity to create something from nothing and bring an idea to life. Learning how to use cameras, working with crews, and collaborating with others has been one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience.鈥�

David added: 鈥淎s a mature student, it has been challenging. Balancing university work with being a dad and managing everyday responsibilities takes a lot of discipline. There have been difficult moments, but it鈥檚 also been incredibly rewarding, and it鈥檚 helped me grow both personally and creatively.

鈥淢y goal is to continue developing as a director and storyteller, creating meaningful, emotionally driven films. The course has given me the confidence, practical skills, and experience to move forward in the industry, particularly through hands-on production and collaboration.

鈥淒uring my time as a student at 海角直播 I made good use of the studios and equipment. Having access to professional facilities really helped bring projects to life and improve the overall quality of the work.

鈥淭he support from the lecturers and the creative environment, along with the guidance I received, all played a big role in helping shape me as a filmmaker, and being surrounded by like-minded people pushed me to aim higher.鈥�

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