Running the show

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Craig Luck (Writer: Finch) BA Film Production, UCA

A great many of our filmmaking graduates go on to enjoy full and busy careers behind the camera, from location scouting and costuming, to editing and supervising scripts for continuity. Hollywood dreams do come true – and if you needed proof, just ask 2010 graduate Craig Luck.

While Craig was studying at UCA, he wrote a script for a then short film, which garnered some interest within the industry. But while prospects for the film simmered under the surface, Craig got on with his career, working behind the scenes on Kenneth Branagh’s re imagining of Cinderella, cult series Sense8 and Marvel origin story Doctor Strange.

Then he got the call. The script was sold, with director Miguel Sapochnik, and none other than Tom Hanks in the titular role. In 2021, FINCH was premiered on streaming service Apple TV+.

Gareth Edwards

(Director of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) Film and Video, UCA

Farnham graduate Gareth Edwards has directed Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the next installment in the iconic Star Wars franchise. Edwards was welcomed back to UCA in 2012 to be awarded an Honorary Masters degree for his work in film.

Edwards began his post-university career in visual effects working on projects for the BBC, before getting his break with the 2010 budget sci-fi film Monsters. He not only wrote and directed the film, but also created all of the special effects which resulted in a nomination for an Outstanding Debut award at the BAFTAs.

Kate Herron

(Director of Disney+ series Loki) Film Production, UCA

Herron grew up in southeast London, near Thamesmead. Herron began her career writing and directing short films, such as Frank and Rest Stop. She started her television career in 2017 working with Idris Elba on Five By Five, a five-episode drama from The Idris Takeover for BBC Three.

Two years later, she directed four episodes of the Netflix series Sex Education. She also directed one episode of Daybreak, another Netflix series. In August 2019, it was announced she would be directing and executive producing the first season of the Disney+ series Loki.

Mark Baker

(Peppa Pig creator) Animation, UCA Graduated 1982

Mark Baker is an English animator and producer whose works include the Oscar-nominated short films The Hill Farm (1988), The Village (1993) and Jolly Roger (1998). He is also known for co-creating Peppa Pig (2004–present) and Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom (2008-2013).

Creative Update spoke to Mark about his experience as an animation student at Farnham, and his successful life after college:

Are there any memories of your time studying that stand out?

I think it was in the very first term, in 1979, that the animation students went to the Cambridge Animation Festival. I just soaked up the films. Everything seemed exiting and important. I had not the slightest doubt that being a Farnham animation student was the best thing to be in the world. And this feeling carried me through the three years. I was sad when it came to an end and I had to enter the real world.

Zandra Rhodes

(Fashion and Textile Designer) UCA’s Chancellor Emerita

Dame Zandra Rhodes is UCA’s Chancellor Emerita - a role she took up after serving as our first Chancellor from 2010 to 2018.

Dame Zandra Rhodes has been a notorious figurehead of the UK fashion industry for five decades, celebrating her 50th year in fashion in September 2019 with a retrospective exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum – founded by Zandra – entitled Zandra Rhodes: 50 Years of Fabulous and a retrospective book published by Yale. Her notoriety as a print designer combined with an affinity for fine fabrics and colour has resulted in a signature aesthetic that is undeniably unique and continues to stand the test of time.

An eponymous pioneer of the British and international fashion scene since the late 60’s, Zandra’s career has seen her collaborate with brands such as Valentino, Topshop and Mac Cosmetics. Continuing to collaborate with brands that inspire her, 2021 will see the launch of Zandra Rhodes x IKEA amongst many other exciting partnerships and projects.

Banksy

to be made an Honorary Professor of UCA

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) announces that the street artist and political activist, Banksy, is to be made an Honorary Professor of UCA, in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and the impact he has had on the global arts scene.

Known for his distinctive stencilling technique that combines humour with graffiti, as well as his 2010 Academy Award-nominated film, “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” and numerous projects that highlight other artists and humanitarian causes, Banksy’s identity remains a mystery.

Naomi Campbell

receives Honorary Doctorate from UCA

Global fashion icon, activist and philanthropist, Naomi Campbell, has received an honorary doctorate at this year’s University for the Creative Arts (UCA) summer graduation ceremonies.

Dr Campbell received her doctorate to great applause at the graduation of UCA Epsom students on 7 July 2022, in recognition of her contribution to the global fashion industry.

Professor Bashir Makhoul, President & Vice-Chancellor of UCA, said: “Having fronted the covers of thousands of magazines and featured in advertising campaigns for celebrated global brands, Naomi Campbell is a fashion icon who is real inspiration for our graduating students.”