Joel’s in the frame

Published April 2013

A University of Brighton in Hastings graduate who has his sights set on directing movies has scooped a top award.

Joel Blake, who studied Broadcast Media, won this year’s Best Runner award from the Film Artistes Association (FAA), a sub division of the media and entertainment union BECTU.

The awards are voted for by members of the FAA and they acknowledge unsung workers on film and television productions sets who have gone out of their way to make the lives of supporting artistes or extras better over the past 12 months.

As a Runner, Joel, 2012 BA(Hons) Broadcast Media graduate and 2011 FdA (foundation course) graduate at the University of Brighton, oils the wheels of film sets by assisting artistes and extras, delivering vital messages and supporting the team of assistant directors.

Joel said: “Since I left the university last year I have worked on a several independent music videos but my main piece of work was with the BBC, working as a runner on Holby City.

“I was shocked to have won the award. As a runner there isn't a clear cut way of doing things and often you have to carve out your own jobs to prove that you are an important member of the production team.”

Joel, from Essex, said his university courses, taught from the Hastings campus, were “spot on” for preparing him for his chosen industry: “The practical aspects were gold dust but there was a very good balance with the academic side of the courses. 

“Ultimately, I would like to direct films or even produce them.”

Broadcast Media has brought a number of recent successes to the university’s Faculty of Arts.  Joanna MacDonnell, FdA Broadcast Media and FdA Television Production Course Leader, said: “Joel was a brilliant, hard-working student and we are all thrilled that he has received this award.”