Building a Career in Film and Media Through Real-World UK Placements
Breaking into the competitive film and television industry requires more than just academic knowledge; it demands practical, on-set experience. Recently, Bangor University graduate Kieran Samuel demonstrated exactly how to bridge the gap between university study and professional employment by securing a paid placement on Warner Bros’ highly anticipated House of the Dragon (Series 3). For students pursuing a Film and Media degree in the UK, this success story highlights the tangible benefits of targeted industry placements and regional partnerships.
Kieran, a Film and Media graduate from Holyhead, spent six weeks working as a lighting trainee on one of the world’s most visually ambitious television productions. Secured during his third year of study, this placement provided him with direct exposure to large-scale production workflows, professional networking opportunities, and a foundational understanding of how theoretical concepts apply in high-pressure environments. Explore our related articles for further reading on breaking into the creative industries.
The Role of Bangor University in Film and Media Education
Bangor University has established itself as a significant institution for creative studies in Wales, particularly through its School of Arts, Culture and Language. The university does not merely teach the history and theory of film; it actively facilitates pathways into the screen industries. By aligning its curriculum with the current demands of the UK film sector, the program ensures that students are not only creatively inspired but also technically proficient and professionally prepared.
The institution’s connection to the Wales Screen Academy is a critical component of this strategy. This affiliation provides students with direct lines to major production companies, regional funding bodies, and industry professionals. Professor Ruth McElroy, Head of the School of Arts and Culture, emphasized that Kieran’s placement reflects the university’s broader commitment to supporting student professional development and strengthening ties with the creative industries in Wales. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about Bangor University’s programs.
Why Practical Experience Matters in the UK Film Industry
The UK film and television sector is renowned globally for its high production values and technical expertise. However, entry-level jobs are highly sought after. Employers consistently look for candidates who have already demonstrated their ability to handle the physical and logistical demands of a working set. A placement on a production like House of the Dragon serves as a powerful differentiator on a graduate’s resume.
Working in the lighting department, as Kieran did, requires a precise blend of technical knowledge and artistic sensibility. Lighting professionals must understand electrical safety, equipment rigging, and the nuanced ways light interacts with different surfaces and camera lenses. Gaining this experience in a classroom is limited; experiencing it on a soundstage or a remote location is invaluable.
Inside the House of the Dragon Placement
House of the Dragon, HBO’s hit fantasy drama and prequel to the award-winning Game of Thrones, represents the pinnacle of modern television production. The series features a star-studded cast, including Welsh actor Rhys Ifans and Matt Smith, and requires a massive crew to execute its complex visual requirements.
During his placement in June 2025, Kieran was embedded within the Lighting Department, a team that collaborates closely with the Camera Department to establish the visual tone of the series. Kieran described the experience as “incredible,” noting that it taught him how to “paint with lighting.” This phrase encapsulates the core responsibility of the lighting team: using light and shadow to create mood, direct the audience’s attention, and support the narrative arc of the scene.
Observing how every department worked together on a world-class production provided Kieran with a comprehensive overview of the industry’s ecosystem. From the art department constructing sets to the costume designers fitting actors, the lighting team must integrate their work seamlessly with all other on-set activities. Have questions? Write to us about student placement opportunities.
Leveraging Regional Partnerships for Major Productions
A crucial element of this placement story is the role of regional infrastructure. The opportunity was arranged through Screen Alliance Wales as part of the Creative Wales initiative. This government-backed program is designed to provide high-quality industry opportunities for young people in Wales, ensuring that the economic benefits of major productions extend beyond temporary location fees.
North Wales has increasingly become a favored filming destination for major UK and international productions. The third series of House of the Dragon utilized the region’s diverse landscapes, including filming at Llanddwyn. This localized approach to production offers a distinct advantage for local students. Rather than relocating to London or other major hubs immediately after graduation, students studying in Wales can access high-profile sets practically in their backyard.
Bangor University actively capitalizes on this regional advantage. During the production of House of the Dragon, Professor McElroy and Professor Edmund Burke, the Vice-Chancellor, organized a set visit to Llanddwyn for students from the School of Arts, Culture and Language. These visits demystify the production process and allow students to visualize themselves within that professional environment. Submit your application today to begin your studies in film production.
Advice for Aspiring Film and Media Students in the UK
For prospective students evaluating their options for a Film and Media degree, Kieran’s trajectory offers several actionable takeaways:
- Utilize University Partnerships: Investigate whether the universities you are applying to have direct affiliations with regional screen agencies, such as the Wales Screen Academy. These partnerships are often the most reliable pipelines to entry-level work.
- Be Open to All Departments: While many students enter film school with the goal of becoming directors or writers, departments like lighting, grip, sound, and art direction offer faster routes to consistent paid employment. Understanding these technical fields builds a more robust foundational skill set.
- Understand Production Workflows: Take every opportunity to learn how different departments interact. A lighting technician who understands camera operations, or a production assistant who understands scheduling, is far more valuable than someone with a narrow focus.
- Recognize the Value of Regional Hubs: The UK film industry is not centralized entirely in London. Productions are frequently shot in Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the English regions. Studying in these areas can provide easier access to on-set placements.
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Turning Academic Study into Professional Credits
The transition from a university lecture hall to a working Warner Bros. set is rarely seamless. It requires institutional support, regional investment, and individual drive. Kieran Samuel’s successful placement on House of the Dragon (Series 3) illustrates what happens when these elements align. By leveraging the resources provided by Bangor University and the Screen Alliance Wales network, he acquired practical skills, professional credits, and industry connections that will serve as the bedrock of his career in the screen industries. For aspiring filmmakers, choosing a university that actively fosters these real-world connections is a critical first step toward long-term professional success in the UK.
