We both completed the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production (Film and Television) followed by the HNC BTEC Level 4 in Creative Media Production (Television, Film, and Broadcast) from 2016-2016. Following our time at NKC, I studied Media and Communications at Goldsmiths, University of London, and Anthony studied Film Production and Editing at Ravensbourne University London.
How did you find your experience at NKC?
Charlie: I loved my time at NKC. It allowed me to be creative and find my passion after initially working in finance. It provided the physical and mental tools to develop as a filmmaker and helped me establish a foothold in the industry. The tutors were incredible, and the experience was vital in preparing me for the expectations of university. I would recommend NKC to anyone looking to develop their skills and pursue their passions.
Anthony: I really enjoyed my time at NKC. It showed me film in a complete new way, and gave me the opportunity to explore various roles in the industry and discover my love for what I studied, post production. My tutors were amazing and to this day I still remember so much personal advice they gave me. Since then, I’ve gone on to work as a kit technician teacher and have become a mentor in film, helping others develop their own skills and confidence in the field.
We both completed the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production (Film and Television) followed by the HNC BTEC Level 4 in Creative Media Production (Television, Film, and Broadcast) from 2016-2016.
Following our time at NKC, I studied Media and Communications at Goldsmiths, University of London, and Anthony studied Film Production and Editing at Ravensbourne University London.
In what ways do you feel NKC contributed to your success?
If it wasn’t for NKC, we would not have pursued careers in film and TV or created our business, Dawn Star Productions Ltd. The college provided the networking opportunities that allowed us to form our company and the creative space to understand the filmmaking process. NKC truly shaped our education and professional trajectory. NKC encouraged us to be open minded in the industry and pursue our passions, the knowledge of the lecturers, the courses and curriculum NKC applies were fundamental in us becoming filmmakers.
What are you doing now?
Charlie: Since leaving NKC in 2016, along with producing my own films with Anthony under Dawn Star Productions Ltd I have had the privilege of working with local government and retail sectors in regards to filmmaking and producing content. I have also worked with companies such as Netflix, Amazon, BBC, HBO, SONY in various roles in departments such as VFX, MEDICAL, SECURITY, PRODUCTION to name a few.
More recently I am working within the emergency services and have been since 2022. However, despite working in the emergency services I am still working on set and producing films with creatives and business owners so that I always focus on my passions and developing my skills as a filmmaker.
Anthony: Now I have the privilege of working in the industry, creating adverts, music videos, films both short and feature length and even pursuing further into documentary. All while still mentoring the most amazing filmmakers of tomorrow.
How did your business come about?
Anthony and I have always been exceptionally hard workers and always wanted to go the extra mile. In 2016, the course leader at the time, Tim Cubitt, offered us the opportunity to take on extra work at NKC. This was for extra credit to bolster our portfolios and support our university applications. Anthony and I both applied to work at Bluewater Shopping Centre with the Learning Shop.
Through that work we found a love for working with businesses and working independently outside of an educational environment. As we prepared for university, we undertook several more independent projects, including further work at Bluewater and producing creative work such as music videos and live event promos. Due to our ongoing successes and ever growing love for the industry we decided to form our own company to set us apart from other filmmakers of our age and generation navigating the university and job spaces. That is where Dawn Star Productions Ltd was formed. Since 2017, we have proudly worked, brought on other partners, and continue to grow each year.