confetti student magazine

SPR/SUM 2019

chris cook THE MAKING OF ROCKET CEL SPELLMAN RADIO 1 HOST INTERVIEW INDUSTRY WEEK 2019 THIS YEAR’S HIGHLIGHTS

PART OF CONTENTS

04 Industry Week 2019 Gallery 06 Cel Spellman 08 The Making of Rocket 10 Creature Feature 13 Do It For Real Games - Bradley Hunter 14 Tim Exile 16 Production Manager Tips 18 Interview with Confetti CEO - Craig Chettle 20 Student Debuts on BBC Radio Derby 2019 has got off to a flying start as we celebrate As for what our amazing students – and 22 Student Success Stories Confetti’s 25th anniversary. In what’s set to be alumni - have been up to, you can see for the biggest year in Confetti’s history, there’s yourself in this issue as we chat to current 24 Producer Gareth Jones been a lot of exciting events already which we and former Confetti-goers. 26 Beth Rowley have collected for this issue of Wire. 28 Confetti Goals We hope you enjoy this issue of Wire Industry Week 2019 happened in March and magazine as much as we’ve enjoyed 30 Photographer Jack Pickerill we had some great guests. For any Guardians putting it together! 31 It’s Not Too Late to Apply of the Galaxy fans, we met the man who 32 Getting Ready for Uni created Rocket and Baby Groot, as well as Cel Spellman from Radio 1, the production manager 34 Student Accommodation for Bohemian Rhapsody and so many more. As 35 Student Finance weeks go, this one was pretty special. 36 Confetti Social Snapchat

We’ve also enjoyed a diverse line-up of gigs 38 Confetti Community at Metronome, and will be looking at what’s to come over the rest of the year. Whether you’re into jazz, hip hop, spoken word or something Front page: Chris Cook, Cinefex - completely different, chances are we’ll have a Rocket Raccoon from Guardians of the Galaxy 2 gig for that! Top left: Industry Week Music Panel Top right: Student Christmas Party Bottom right: Frantics at Confetti Live (credit: Andrea Bottino) 4. INDUSTRY WEEK 2019 GALLERY INDUSTRY WEEK 2019 1 2 Industry Week 2019 was a resounding success, with big names from the world of music, media and games coming to Confetti to deliver some great talks. Diversity was the order of the week, with everything from live music performances to games art demos and acting workshops taking place across the Confetti campus.

Our new venue Metronome was the location of choice for many of the talks, and as you can see from our photo gallery the set- up was incredible! Here’s what we enjoyed during the week:

1. Chris Cook delivered a fantastic talk about working in VFX for some huge films, and how he created characters like Rocket and Baby Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy 2 2. Our student crew interviewed guests Abigail Longstaffe and David Raper from Mandy.com 3. MLC Academy Jam Session showing students how to improvise like a pro 4. VFX supervisor James Mac spoke about VFX in commercials, feature films and music videos 5. Student band BRIA performing a fantastic set with BBC 3 4 Introducing on the Metronome stage 6. A Gamer Gamer event which rounded off Industry Week in hilarious fashion with a group of comedians getting their game on for the audience

5 6 6. INSERT TEXT IW19 FEATURE - CEL SPELLMAN 7.

Confetti invited Cel Spellman to this year’s Industry Week, where the actor and presenter delivered a great talk to students.

At 23, Cel Spellman has already Spellman described his time on CBBC as conquered both screen and radio; a “the best presenting school possible”, feat not wholly typical of someone his and said it sparked his love of presenting age but one that he felt compelled which propelled him to move into radio. to achieve from a young age. Starting Being offered his first slot on BBC out in showbiz at just seven with a voice- Radio 1’s Sunday afternoon show was acting role in Beauty and the Beast, somewhat surreal, he laughed. Spellman moved on to act in the popular BBC drama Waterloo Road before Now, he’s happily pursuing both acting making his Radio 1 debut in 2013 on the and presenting, with his role on ITV’s CEL Request Show. Since then, he’s secured Cold Feet - describing his co-star and on a Sunday afternoon show on the radio screen father James Nesbitt as a great station; a prime-time fixture in the world acting role model who “never has an off of radio broadcasting. day” and knows everybody’s name on the set. SPELLMAN So where did his ambition and confidence come from? During his His passion, drive and dedication - as BBC RADIO 1 HOST Industry Week interview, Spellman well as his hunger to keep learning from explained how he knew from a young others - shone through during his talk, age that he wished to pursue acting. and the buzz felt amongst students With the support of his family - and an really was palpable. Compelling and agreement with them that he would fresh, he set a true example to students continue his academic work alongside and encouraged them that they could acting - he moved to London and do anything with the right attitude and attended Sylvia Young Theatre School. hard work.

During his talk, he spoke about His main bits of advice? “Take every experiences during and after school, opportunity you are given, always have and how he found it tricky to switch an answer and never give up - get ready from acting to presenting in his first for constant rejection and being ground presenter’s role on CBBC Friday down, as this is part and parcel of being Download show. in the arts. It’s probably the hardest part to deal with, but it’s all worth it in “I’d been told to ignore the camera for the end!” eight years, then all of a sudden I was being told to stare down its barrel and Is there anything Cel Spellman can’t do? talk directly to the lens.” For ego’s sake, we hope so. 8. INSERT TEXT IW19 FEATURE - CHRIS COOK 9.

THE MAKING OF We“ delivered over 1,000 VFX shots and CG assets... - CHRIS COOK CHRIS COOK - LEAD MODELLER

Rocket’s 'PowerStation' gun in animators to use. Other artists His signature wink is the opening title sequence was jumped in every now and then to anatomically impossible. designed in one hour. help give the build a little push, Our highly skilled face shape In the opening sequence we found and in all, probably around a artist spent a lot of time trying ourselves in a position where we year’s worth of man hours were to figure out how Rocket could needed to design a new gun for spent on just the model alone. wink with the corners of his lips Rocket without any concept art, And that's just the base model, pulling back. Turns out that there and quickly. We decided that it even more people were involved is no combination of muscles that would be fun to run what we call in rigging, texture, groom, look could achieve exactly what James a 'lunch crunch' competition. On development and everything else! wanted it to be while maintaining Friday morning we posed the the anatomy required to do all challenge to the whole modelling We made him twice. other movements required, so we department to design his gun, Despite the fact that Framestore faked it! no brief, just make it cool. Lunch made Rocket for the first Guardians crunch rules are you can only film, we actually completely On set Rocket was played by work on it over a one hour lunch, restarted when it came to making Director James Gunn’s brother who all designs must be submitted by the second film. This was to take shuffled around on his knees. 2pm. That Friday evening we sent advantage of improvements in Yes, you read that right. He had to 17 concepts to the clients and they muscle and flesh systems that be digitally removed in foreground fell in love with the one you see would help us achieve a more and reflections in every shot and today. The actual model build took realistic performance. replaced with our CG character. over three weeks to complete. He had 91 face shapes. Here are some random facts from It took three modellers to We broke his dialogue down in to the work we delivered on GOTG2. make the Rocket. individual movements of areas of • We delivered over 1,000 VFX On my team I had one person the face, called FACS shapes. Once shots and CG assets responsible for the main model, we had done this we determined • We received 104,737 client which included skin, anatomy and that with 91 different shapes notes eyes. A second was responsible combined in different ways we • There were 12,900 tasks for the costume and a third artist could make him say everything he • We made 100,000 submission just made face shapes for the needed to say. iterations 10. IW19 FEATURE - PAUL WARREN confetti.ac.uk 11.

Actor Paul Warren What is one thing that took you by What’s your favourite project spoke to us about his surprise about working in film? that you’ve worked on to date? experiences as a sci-fi That I am being paid to play monsters in I’ve been very lucky to work on some and fantasy actor, how movies! Growing up, I was obsessed with very big and fun franchises (Harry he found his way into monster movies. It just seemed like a fun Potter, Marvel and Star Wars). If I had the industry, and how thing to be into! I had no idea you could to pick, it would be Star Wars: The Force he has even had a toy do it for a living, let alone do it myself. Awakens. I’ve been a massive fan since modelled after one of I was three years old, so to not only his characters now. We have some students who are be an alien character in the series, getting involved in acting for film and but also to have a toy made of the TV. What advice would you give them to character means a lot to me. succeed on the job? First and foremost, dedicate yourself to What are three great sci-fi/fantasy the craft of acting. Take acting classes, films that you think everyone network with like-minded individuals, should watch? and be a team player and easy to work Children of Men - a stunning sci-fi film with. That last one goes a long way, that is still relevant today, if not even because so much of this industry is more so socially and politically than based on recommendations. when it came out.

For anyone struggling to get involved The Invisible Man - one of the best, but in the industry, what or where - in your most underrated entries in the Universal opinion - is a good place to start? monster movie series. A great sci-fi and Don’t forget it’s more than just wanting comedy with brilliant special effects to be in the film industry. Think about and a fun maniacal performance by the skillset you will need in whatever Claude Rains. area you want to be in. Once you have a great skillset to offer, you will get the Time Bandits - a band of time-travelling chance to interview for jobs. It’s a cliché, dwarves rob and steal from famous but hard work and dedication pays off figures in history. I love it! in the end!

CREATURE FEATURE

PAUL WARREN - SCI-FI & FANTASY ACTOR Left: Skinny Steve Rogers VFX head replacement test Right: Skinny Steve Rogers VFX double - Captain America: The First Avenger 12. IW19 FEATURE - PAUL WARREN IW19 FEATURE - BRADLEY HUNTER 13.

DO IT FOR REAL GAMES CONFETTI GRADUATE, BRADLEY HUNTER

Photo: A 3D starter environment created for a classic RPG inspired character sheet blueprint made within UE4.

What made you choose to study at Confetti? out-of-work hours. Confetti also offers great industry I first started out in Confetti studying my BTEC Level opportunities throughout the years to students and 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production reward the students that go above and beyond with (Games Development), before going on to study a their work. foundation degree in Games Technology. After school I knew I wanted to be a part of the games industry What was it like living in Nottingham? Could you tell us in some way and after being told about Confetti by a bit about how you found the city as a student? a friend I decided it was the best choice for me to Nottingham is great! There are so many great and learn the basics of creating video games, along with interesting places to go eat and drink. The creative everything I needed to know about games production corner in Hockley is forever expanding and always has - not just a specified course on one aspect of it e.g. 3D something interesting to get involved with. The nightlife modelling or animation. for students - and professionals - is the best and keeps the city very active. What advice would you give someone thinking of studying your course/a similar course at Confetti? What is your current role, and what exciting projects Make the most out of the facilities and software on have you been involved with since leaving Confetti? offer at Confetti - don’t just use them in work hours. You It only took a few months after graduation and I had don’t know when you’ll be able to make use of motion the opportunity to work at Rockstar Games after being capture studios, foley studios and the vast amount of referred by a fellow student and good friend from expensive software which is given to you freely to use. Confetti. I am currently working for Rockstar Games as When I was at Confetti, I made sure to gather as much a games tester and I have worked on such projects future portfolio work as possible! like Red Dead Redemption 2, both single player and online. I have also worked on Grand Theft Auto 5, and Top right: Dowager alien with Space Gary - Star Wars: The Last Jedi Would you recommend Confetti and your course to its various DLC releases. I’ve never looked back since. Top left & bottom: Toothless with the Mini Miners - Guardians of the Galaxy someone looking to study in that area? I have Confetti to thank for this connection and giving Of course - Confetti really can’t be beaten in its me the skills and the confidence to take on this role. offering of fantastic facilities to create projects in and IW19 FEATURE - TIM EXILE 15.

It sounds trite but be you, be “ interested in other people first then be interesting back, be gregarious. - TIM EXILE

What was one thing that took If this doesn’t come naturally to you impact in the world? Is it building you by surprise about the then fake it ‘til you make it. a movement? Is it about proving music industry? yourself and receiving validation? When I started out I thought the What’s the best way for a band to How will your childhood patterning music industry was an industry for develop a fan base? play out in the future? all musical creativity and that as I’m no expert at this but, like I long as what you did was excellent said above, it’s so important to Be realistic about the gap between and connected with audiences be yourself and then the right your fantasy self and your actual you’d succeed. audience for your music, or other self. If you want music to be a talents, will watch! One skill I’ve career you’ll likely have to spend a I didn’t factor in the history of been working on more recently is lot of time away from home, spend the music industry and how it trying to get an idea of how what years living below the poverty line, has evolved around the principle I’m doing looks on the outside to get little sleep and be knocked TIM EXILE revenue stream - record sales - various groups of people. Knowing down repeatedly. and that the systems, institutions what people really like and who MUSIC PRODUCER and secondary industries (such as they are seems like a statement of All of this will likely exacerbate any music creation technology) had all the obvious but it’s hard to do. self-esteem issues you might have evolved to maximise this revenue (maybe they’re the ones that made stream - and were strongly Should a new, unestablished band you want to sacrifice something entrenched. spend more time in the recording you love to forge a career in studio or playing at live gigs? music in the first place). But if you We have a lot of students who It depends on what your strength manage to weather these storms are just starting to get gigs, what is. If you have an amazing live you’re in with a chance of learning advice would you give them to show and love touring then make a lot about yourself, conquering get more bookings? as few records as you need to your demons and carving out It sounds trite but be you, be support your touring activities. If a nice lifestyle business in the interested in other people first then your records are exquisite works process. It’s a quest. Are you a be interesting back, be gregarious, and you’d much rather be in the quester? don’t be shy to say hello to people studio then do the minimum number you don’t know, be curious and of gigs you need to support your What are three albums everyone open to how your thing might fit compositional art. should listen to at least once? other people’s thing. It’s primarily 1. Visible Cloaks - Reassemblage all about making connections and What advice would you give 2. Future Sound of London - staying open (by the way, this is budding musicians looking Essential Mix May 1994 advice I still need to take!) to start a career? 3. Scion - Arrange and Process Do what you love and think long Basic Channel Tracks If you go into it with that and hard about whether you really attitude then wherever the want to sacrifice it for the sake of great opportunity of the time is turning it into a career. Be honest (conferences, meetups, gigs, with yourself about what you want scenes, social platforms etc) you most. Is it realising an aesthetic can be there with the right attitude. vision and making a positive 16. IW19 FEATURE - JENNIFER WYNNE confetti.ac.uk 17. PRODUCTION MANAGER TIPS

JENNIFER WYNNE

What is one thing that took you by For anyone struggling to get involved surprise about working in film? in film, what or where – in your opinion I think everyone has this image – is a good place to start? of working in film as being really Everyone in a high-up position in the glamorous, but it’s incredibly hard film industry has got there themselves, work - often in condensed periods of through working hard and networking. time. We once had a runner come and My main bit of advice would be to work on a production, and he went out contact as many people whose work drinking one night during the first week interests you as possible. of filming, thinking he could manage it, but the next day he really couldn’t so Personally address them in your Production Manager was off the project. emails, mention their work that you for some of the world’s like and email them twice if they don’t best-loved films, It’s a commitment, it’s a lot of fields get back to you at first. People in the including Bohemian and car parks and quite a nomadic industry - nine times out of ten - are Rhapsody, Pride and lifestyle of working with people for a happy to help, and have been where Woman in Black, few months, perhaps a year, and you are now, wanting to enter the Jennifer Wynne is a then not working with them again industry, so don’t be shy about getting for five - if ever! in touch. Send your CV far and wide, distinguished member and approach everybody you want to. of the film industry. We We have some students who are were able to interview getting involved in films and TV shows What’s your favourite project you’ve her during her visit being produced. What advice would ever worked on, and why? to Nottingham for you give them to succeed on the job? That’s such a tricky one, as I’ve Industry Week, and It really is all about attitude. It’s not enjoyed a lot! But I’d say Pride was here’s what she had to how much you know, it’s how you act up there - everyone involved was say about working in on set. Be helpful, be on time every fantastic, both cast and crew, and film production… day, be reliable and perky and you will it felt like a real family unit. I also always find work. enjoyed Woman in Black a great deal - Daniel Radcliffe is lovely! A lot of hires are based on reputation and through word of mouth, so if Film is always a collaboration, so the you’ve been a complete star on a set, best projects are when you get a real your name and reputation will precede sense of that; a true partnership and you and you will get that next job. effectiveness between cast and crew.

Don’t be proud about working on What are a couple of films that you smaller projects, either; every job is think everyone should watch? a job. How can I pick just a couple? I’d have to say Roman Holiday & Angel Heart. 18. INSERT TEXT CONFETTI CEO CRAIG CHETTLE 19.

This year is Confetti’s 25th anniversary, so ahead of our official anniversary issue, we’ve got together with our CEO Craig Chettle to find out a bit more about him.

How and why did you set up tight the band were, it was electric theatres helping put people under Confetti? – and his voice was just amazing. anaesthetic. A stark contrast from When I tried to learn about the tech He sounded like Marvin Gaye! what I do now, but I think that industry I found that a lot of people gave me an insight into what other weren’t that willing to share their What do you love about industries would be like. I always knowledge and expertise. I wanted Nottingham? knew I wanted to do something in to change this and come up with I love how humble it is here, music. Not everyone knows that a way for young people to learn how humble the people are. I Confetti is part of a larger group of about music tech and the music think we could shout about our businesses, including Notts TV who production industry from those in city a lot more! It’s got a great celebrate their fifth anniversary the know. connectedness, Nottingham – this year and Antenna who are like the best bits of a village, but celebrating their tenth. What’s your favourite bit of kit on within a proper city. I like that you offer here? can walk from one side of the city Can you tell us anything about the One of the first bits of world-class centre to the other in a matter of special event planned later this kit I bought was a Neve VR60 minutes, and go to gigs at a variety year, any teasers – or have we got mixing desk. I bought it back in of venues without having to so to wait? 2000, and it was the start of many a much as step onto a bus. I shouldn’t. But I can tell you that CRAIG great piece of kit to come onto the it’s going to be spectacular – all Confetti campus. At the moment, Outside of Confetti, what do you disciplines, music, media and my favourite bit of ‘kit’ – if we love doing? games, will be involved. can count it as that – is definitely I do keep very busy with all things Metronome’s live venue. Confetti, so I’m often at events and Finally, how would you sum performances in the evenings. up Confetti in three words? CHETTLE Spending so much time on tour Outside of this, though, I am close Unique – every day we strive to INTERVIEW WITH CONFETTI CEO when I was younger, I got to know with my family; wife, two sons and bring together education and what a really good and a really our dog. My mum’s local as well, commercial viability in a work-like bad venue would sound like, so we get together and wind each setting. We’re the only people and so to be able to have such a other up on a regular basis. I like who do this – Industry Week is the world-class offering for performers, walking, and swimming; when I epitome of this. audiences and even tech teams is get time! Ambitious and exciting – we’re something I’m immensely proud of persistent in our search for and thankful for. What would you tell your 18 year- excellence, and there’s always old self? something new and exciting going If you had to pick, what’s the best I think I was always quite driven, on around that. gig/festival you’ve been to? so at 18 I had get-up-and-go Caring – we really do care about This is a tough one as music really and wanted to be learning and all of our staff, and all of our is my passion. One of the first creating. I’d probably just say keep students. There’s a real community times I heard Wycliffe performing going, the hard work will pay off. feel at Confetti, and I think that’s – a Nottingham musician I later so important in any business and worked with a lot – I heard him If you weren’t the boss of Confetti, learning environment. rehearsing with his band in a little what would you be doing? practice room on Alfreton Road in I actually worked in the NHS before (Yes - he used four words - but we Nottingham. I couldn’t believe how I set up Confetti, in operating will let him off as he is the CEO!) 20. MELISSA COTTON DEBUTS ON BBC RADIO DERBY confetti.ac.uk 21.

STUDENT I’m now more determined than ever to write my own songs. I think it’s DEBUTS ON BBC “ about finding your inner voice and writing from your emotions. RADIO DERBY - MELISSA COTTON

INTERVIEW WITH MELISSA COTTON

Confetti student Melissa When did you first start to sing I love performing to an audience Cotton recently made and play the ukulele? now, and what I find really special her debut on BBC I’ve always enjoyed singing, but in the is the opportunity to meet so many Radio Derby, forging latter stages of primary school I was nice people that are also incredibly told by a teacher that I had a nice talented musicians. an exciting start to her voice and that I should try a talent musical career. The Level competition. My parents entered me What factors contributed to you 3 Music Performance into Britain’s Got Talent and although choosing Confetti over other colleges? and Songwriting student I didn’t get to the televised shows, Naturally my high school suggested sang an original piece, the production team did give me I could stay on there and other ‘Your Eyes’, live on the some great advice to work on my colleges were promoting their music radio station in January, confidence as they liked my voice. I courses, but in the end there was only gaining great exposure think that was what spurred me on to one viable option. I saw what Confetti for her unique work and want to do more in music. During my could provide and it excited me far last year in primary school my parents more than anywhere else; I’m half performance. bought my first ukulele to have a way through my second year with play on! Confetti and I’m confident I made the We spoke to Melissa right choice! about her experience At high school I was able to get of performing, why she more into what is involved in music. I The Confetti staff are all friendly, chose music at Confetti, started to understand the wider roles understanding and have an excellent and what the future holds. in the industry and this broadened attitude towards the profession and my horizons a lot, and alongside for me personally, I find there’s a lot this I also continued to teach myself I have learnt from my tutors, and how to play the ukulele from hours of that is something I will always be YouTube tutorials. thankful for.

During the latter part of high school Finally, what have you got I went to regular open mic sessions, coming up in 2019? building on my confidence and over I’m now more determined than ever the years I have acquired quite a few to write my own songs. I think it’s musical influences. These are mostly about finding your inner voice and from indie artists like Mac DeMarco writing from your emotions. This is a and Ezra Furman to name a few. process I didn’t like working with at the beginning, but using the skills I’ve Have you performed live before been taught at Confetti, I’m really your BBC debut? enjoying being creative. I have performed live many times before at gigs and local festivals. I My new songs will be included on my Left image: BBC Radio Derby also currently host six open mic nights new website that is currently being - Top Floor, with presenter, and have around one or two other built, but can be found soon. Visit it at Martyn Williams gigs per week. www.melissacotton.co.uk 22. CONFETTI STUDENT ALUMNI confetti.ac.uk 23.

GRADUATE SUCCESS STORIES

RHIANNE MURPHY GEORGE TATCHELL VIDEOGAME LEVEL DESIGNER 3D ARTIST What is one thing that took you by surprise about What made you choose to study at Confetti? working in the games industry? I started at Confetti in 2010 on the Digital Video and When I got into the industry it was a nice surprise to Broadcast Production course. I currently work as a lighting see how supportive the developer community is. Even if TD in film visual effects. I have worked on James Bond, you’re just starting out in the industry lots of developers Independence Day, Mary Poppins and Ant Man and the are happy to give you feedback and talk about their Wasp. I chose Confetti because of where it was and the experiences to help you in your journey. facilities and equipment I would have access to.

We have some students who are getting involved What was the most valuable thing you learnt through in games production. What advice would you give your course? them to succeed on the job? I think one of the most valuable things I took from the course My advice is take your time and develop your skills. was how film and video production was a team effort - The industry can be competitive so try your best to everyone has their skills and strengths which they can be on top of your game. Take the time you need to contribute to get the best job possible done. This was very PETEBOX figure out what it is you’re good at and enjoy and much the case in the group project we did. MUSICAL ARTIST the rest will come with hard work and perseverance. What made you choose to study at Confetti? What advice would you give someone thinking of What advice would you give someone thinking of I did the HND in Music Production and Sound studying your course/a similar course at Confetti? For anyone struggling to get involved in the studying your course/a similar course at Confetti? Engineering. Me and my band had been recording Get booking the studios for your own projects industry, what or where – in your opinion – is a Come in to the course open-minded and wanting to absorb ourselves on super cheap gear and set up our own and sound experiments - something like sound good place to start? as much knowledge as you can. Have an idea of where shows for years, so it was the most exciting thing engineering, music production or video production I will always recommend meeting new people. you want to go at the end but try everything, you may find to find out you could actually do a degree in it and isn’t just for the classroom, you need to play around Gamers, developers just anyone who is passionate something you didn’t think you will enjoy. Also having a base in such a kitted-out establishment. Confetti was a with what you learn and be creating in your own time. about games, go to events and just get to know knowledge of all disciplines will help you in the long run. wonderland of gear and knowledge! people. Expositions like EGX and local meetups like What was it like living in Nottingham? East Midlands Indies are a great place to start. If Would you recommend Confetti and your course to someone What was the most valuable thing you learnt I love Nottingham! As a musician it’s an amazing place you’re looking to workshop your skills, participate in looking to study in that area? through your course? for the amount of music nights there are - open mic Game Jams since they can be great opportunities to Yes I definitely would! It’s provided me with a great It wasn’t one thing really - just the impact of being nights, indie club nights and it’s one of the major spots learn something new. grounding and has helped hugely in getting me where I around so many motivated and knowledgeable for touring bands so there’s so much going on. am today. people was massively inspiring for me. Having said What’s your favourite project you’ve ever worked that though, I definitely noticed that it was those who What do you enjoy most about your current role, on, and why? Could you tell us a bit about how you found the city as worked in their own time producing their own/other and does it use the skills you learnt during I’m still a baby in the industry and I’ve only just a student? people’s stuff, experimenting themselves and booking your time at Confetti? released my first project: Crackdown 3. It was surreal I lived a bit of a different student life as I was also a full-time out the studios to play around that got the most out I record and produce most of my music so for sure I seeing stuff that I made on Twitch streams and on athlete on the British canoeing team. So I was basically just of the course. So I’d say, learn while you’re there, use use what I learnt. Being knowledgeable about that the stage of E3. training and working the whole time but I enjoyed it. that knowledge to go wild in your own time. side of things is not only necessary if you don’t have money early on as otherwise you won’t be able to What are three great games that you think everyone What do you enjoy most about your current role, and does it make records, but I think creatively, being comfortable should play? use the skills you learnt during your time at Confetti? Confetti was a wonderland and knowledgeable about music tech is massively I recommend playing the Witcher 3 and Armello for I really enjoy the mix of creativity and technical components; of gear and knowledge! powerful. It makes me write so much more and two different reasons but my third recommendation I get to see movies in the raw form and also work as part of “ experiment with way more styles - a dubstep track one is that every developer should play a good old- a large team. The skills I got during my time at Confetti have - PETEBOX day, an orchestral arrangement the next. fashioned game of Dungeons and Dragons. been hugely instrumental in my job! PRODUCER GARETH JONES 25.

It was such a pleasure to “ work with your talented students in Metronome – the results were outstanding! - GARETH JONES

In January this year, Confetti Gareth is renowned for his work in Logic, he really knew his stuff when welcomed iconic music the music industry, having worked it came to PT. It made me think that producer Gareth Jones to with the likes of Depeche Mode, if you want to excel in the industry work with a group of music Wire and Erasure. it’s best to be adaptable and not pigeonhole yourself to one method GARETH JONES technology students as well as During his four days at Confetti, of working”. PRODUCER SPENDS A WEEK AT CONFETTI BRIA; the band formed from a it’s safe to say Gareth’s impact group of Music Performance on the students was intense and Not only were our students thrilled students here at Confetti. The inspiring, as he brought his years to have Gareth working with students worked together with of expertise in the industry to those them for the week, but Gareth Gareth to record and produce just starting out in it. Both music himself gave the students a two new tracks for the band. technology and music performance glowing review. students got the chance to work with Gareth, including student “It was a pleasure to work with the band BRIA. excellent team of students – music tech and performance. The tech Bria Buxton spoke of the event: team were instrumental in making “It was an incredible experience the session flow so smoothly, and to be able to work with someone the results were outstanding! You with such amazing knowledge and told me the musicians were good ideas. I feel so lucky to have been and you were so right – Bria and given the opportunity and can’t the band were amazing, talented wait to share what we have made and open-minded”. with everyone soon!” On the subject of Metronome’s Our students were able to pick up facilities and equipment, Gareth some useful tips from Gareth that couldn’t give enough praise. they still use now, from setting up a live room to the software they use. “The SSL Duality studio was truly Dean Kirkman told us how much amazing. I also loved the sound he’d learnt. of the recording room which was Left: Credit: Doug Dreger perfect for recording a live band”. Top right: Gareth Jones in the SSL “I learned a lot of tips, shortcuts Duality studio showing students and tricks for operating Pro Tools, how to use the console to say Gareth worked more using 26. BETH ROWLEY confetti.ac.uk 27.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BETH ROWLEY Beth Rowley is known for yourself are other ways to be her voice and love of Blues able to play as many gigs as and Gospel. After the huge possible. You’ve got to be success of her UK top 10 willing to do things as an artist - long drives, late nights, the album ‘Little Dreamer’ in whole thing. 2008, for which she was nominated for a Brit Award, What’s the best way for a she’s back after working band to develop a fan base? on her much anticipated The crucial bit is working out second album. During her your target audience - or Tracing the Line tour, Beth audiences. Once you’ve worked performed at Metronome out who they are, it’s easier to earlier this year. We reach out to and connect with them. I love meeting people managed to grab her for an after my gigs, it really is the insightful interview... highlight for me. These days, it’s so important to build your social presence - something What was one thing that took I’m slowly but surely getting the you by surprise about the hang of! music industry? There’s been a lot of change. Should a new, unestablished The process of producing a band spend more time in the record is so different now recording studio or playing from how it was 10 years ago. at live gigs? What advice would you give What are three albums anyone The 18 month - 2 year cycle of It’s important to make You can do both! But for me, budding musicians looking to should listen to at least once? record/tour is also changing recording was really a means “ sure that you find your start a career? hugely too. to an end - if I could, I would niche. Play around It’s important to make sure that you 1. Neil Young – Harvest happily just perform live forever. find your niche. Play around with 2. TLC - CrazySexyCool We have a lot of students who In fact, I love it so much that with different sounds, different sounds, but make sure that 3. Willie Wonka & the Chocolate are just starting to get gigs, when I record music in the but make sure that whatever direction you take with Factory - Various Artists what advice would you give studio, we create a setup that your music, it’s on your terms. them to get more bookings? emulates live performance - whatever direction you The best bit of advice I could the lighting, a couple of people Writing and playing your music take with your music, Find out more about Metronome, give would be to try and do watching, just the whole mood. should make you feel like the best visiti metronome.uk.com as much as you can yourself. There’s something about being it’s on your terms. version of yourself - if this stops Arranging your own transport, in the moment, for me, which being the case, you need to make Top: Beth Rowley, performing your own set-up, keeping costs - BETH ROWLEY I really can only get when the right changes for you and at Metronome down and covering basic costs performing live to an audience. your sound. Credit: Jake Osborne 28. CONFETTI GOALS confetti.ac.uk 29.

Left: Film and Television student trip to New York 2019 Right: Student Christmas Party CONFETTI in Metronome GOALS

WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA DEWIRE

1. MAKE THE MOST OF few days in New York, during which 6. WORK HARD OUTSIDE YOUR TUTORS students visited the New York OF LESSONS The tutors at Confetti work in Film Academy, where they had a If you only work on your the industry in addition to their digital cinematography lesson with assignments in lesson time, teaching roles, which is what Danielle Napolitano, and a trip to then you may struggle to get the makes their advice that extra bit the Warner Bros Studio in London, best grades. valuable. As well as this, they are which allowed students to see how all well educated in their field, and all aspects of the Harry Potter films Moreover, when presented with are more than capable of aiding were made. the opportunity to take on external you with anything that you have projects, you shouldn’t be too quick questions about. 4. HAVE A PROFESSIONAL to dismiss them. With students CONDUCT having the regular chance to work 2. BE BRAVE This is good practice for when you at Notts TV and Splendour, there Speak up in class! If you have a are trying to get into the industry. are always plenty of chances for question, ask it! If you have an This includes being punctual Confetti students to have early idea, share it! If you want to fulfil to lessons and handing your access to volunteer work in their your dreams, you’ve got to make assignments in on time, and to a desired industry. the effort to grab it yourself. Never high quality. You must also treat be afraid to put yourself forward your fellow classmates, guests Furthermore, whilst you have for something that you want to do - and tutors with respect, as you Confetti’s plethora of high- when you fail to push yourself into would be expected to treat your quality equipment to hand, it is a situation, you lose any chance to colleagues in any industry. encouraged for you to take on get there. When you push yourself your own projects as well. and leave your comfort zone, 5. BE CLEAR ON YOUR GOALS Confetti aims to provide the best possible start point for their students to enter a you can achieve things that you Set yourself realistic goals, but These tips aren’t the be all and variety of creative industries, and with an astounding amount of success stories, could’ve never imagined you could don’t be afraid to push yourself. end all of what you can do, but it is clear that anyone can make it. In the past few months, several Confetti “Set yourself be capable of. At the start of an assignment, they are a good start. Not every graduates have made their way into high-profile jobs, with one ex-student know what you want to do for it, one of the above points will work landing a role at Notts TV, and another taking on a part-time residency across realistic goals, plan well and don’t settle for less for you individually – this is simply Nottingham Trent University, whilst already being an editor for LeftLion magazine. 3. GO ON TRIPS but don’t be than the best you can do. a guide to be used as a starting The triumph of so many ex-students has not been a simple walk in the park. It’s a The trips are a fun break from If you know that you’ve done point for you to have the best tough road from college student to industry professional. afraid to push college, but they can also prove to yourself. be full of indispensable help and your best, then you shouldn’t be future possible. It takes a lot of hard work and ambition, so what can advice. Recent Film and disappointed in the work you do to increase your chance of success? - SAMANTHA DEWIRE Television trips have included a you’ve created. 30. JACK PICKERILL PHOTOGRAPHER UCAS APPLICATIONS 31. JACK PICKERILL IT’S NOT TOO PHOTOGRAPHER LATE TO APPLY

Don’t worry if you’ve missed the UCAS January deadline. If you want to study with us in September 2019, you can still apply to Confetti.

WHY STUDY AT CONFETTI? Being part of Nottingham Trent University (NTU) gives you This year we’re celebrating our 25th year! the best of both worlds. This year students have given We’re proud to offer a bigger, better range the University an 89% satisfaction rating in the National of industry-tailored courses than ever Student Satisfaction Survey, the fifth highest score amongst before. Since we began in 1994, we have mainstream universities. The score puts the University in the grown outwards – with almost 2000 students top ten of all 145 institutions included, an improvement of 16 studying with us – and upwards, reaching places on last year. new heights with our impressive campus of Eagle-eyed residents of Confetti HQ, Metronome and Space2 where Confetti’s strong industry connections will help you better Notts may well have spotted we’ve invested £13 million in our facilities. understand your future in the creative industry. Every year this brilliant photo of former Confetti marks March with a one-of-a-kind event - Industry Level 3 Music Performance Week - allowing students to brush shoulders with guests student, Iona Jackman-Hart, YOU’LL GET TO: such as legendary documentary filmmaker Nick Broomfield, • Enjoy the Nottingham lifestyle and Emmerdale favourites Roxy Shahidi & Sammy Winward, (performing at Battle of study in the creative quarter the Bands NTU) advertising Playstation Access Channel Manager Hollie Bennett and • Be a guest at Confetti’s Industry Radio 1Xtra’s Mistajam. Confetti courses. Week 2020 • Getting ‘Do it for real’ work experience jackpickerill.co.uk at events such as Splendour @jackpickers • Showcase your talent to family, friends and industry guests at Confetti’s Degree Showcase

Where and when did you sports and later branched out could get was helpful. It’s capture this brilliant photo? into other styles and genres important to get experience I shot this whilst covering my of photography. out there and it can be surprising university’s annual Battle of the how small jobs lead to other Don’t miss Bands event, this was my first What’s your work history in different ventures. out, apply year studying and one of the first photography been to date? events I had shot. Glaring purple Over the past few years I have What’s next for you? Are there now through and red lights in this venue made shot various classical concerts for any particular projects you wish UCAS! for bizarre skin tones so grayscale NTU Music, as well as corporate to work on/places you want to go seemed the best option! conferences, graduation parties, and photograph? awards nights and even product Right now I’m working on finishing When did you first get into shots for an up-and-coming my latest photobook ‘In Passing’. photography, and how did you fitness brand. This will be exhibited as part of learn more about it? Did you take my degree show project in May any specific training courses? What piece of advice would you at Nottingham’s Hung Up Gallery. I’m currently in my final year of a give to young creatives about BA photography degree, before pursuing the career they want? Other than that, upon finishing which I studied on a course briefly As I’m still building a full-time my degree I will be working at my local college but otherwise I career myself, I’m still learning. towards freelancing full time, have been self taught since 2011. One thing I would say, though, and pursuing a career in my I started out by shooting action is that accepting any work I fine art photography practice. 32. GETTING READY FOR UNI confetti.ac.uk 33.

Top left: Rough Trade in Creative Quarter, Hockley GETTING READY Bottom left & right: Lyka Lorenzo UKYA in Metronome FOR UNI

GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY UPDATE YOUR CV SET UP A STUDENT BANK Whether you’re a local to your city Bagging yourself a part-time ACCOUNT or not, it’s still a great idea to get student job can be a great way Most banks offer deals exclusively out and about and check out your of coping with student living costs for students - you can get free surroundings. If you’re studying (and looks pretty good on your overdrafts, credit cards and other at Confetti you’re just a stone’s CV, too!) For flexible work you bonuses. Look out for the offers throw away from the unique can fit in around your study - to sign up to as well, such as character and atmosphere of the your Students’ Union is a good vouchers or railcards. Take a look Creative Quarter, which is centred starting point. at the best student bank accounts on the historic Lace Market and on the Which? Money site to see Hockley area. BUDGET which bank was most highly rated You might get excited by your bank by students. With Metronome – the new national balance the first time your student centre for music, moving image and loan comes in, but trust us – it often SUBSCRIBE TO NETFLIX video - on your doorstep, you won’t doesn’t go as far as you might Let’s get the important bits out be short of live events to go to. hope, so it’s important to make a of the way first. While you’ll need budget and stick to it. to focus on studying during your DON’T PANIC time at university, it’s just as GETTING READY FOR UNIVERSITY CAN SEEM SCARY, BUT AS When thinking about university you If you’re studying at Confetti and important to have some downtime. may be filled with terror, but this need a bit of a helping hand So subscribing to a service that LONG AS YOU’RE PREPARED, IT CAN BE AN EXCITING TIME! is an exciting time and a chance figuring out your finances, NTU’s offers a wide range of films and to make great new friends and Student Financial Support Service TV shows and also recommends memories throughout these years. can help you to apply for various programmes based on stuff you’ve So don’t worry if you don’t quite bursaries, scholarships and already watched is a must! Just no READ OUR HANDY TIPS TO MAKE feel ready, just enjoy it! hardship funds, and get you back bingeing when you should actually SURE YOU’RE IN THE KNOW… on track if you run into difficulties. be studying... 34. GETTING READY FOR UNI confetti.ac.uk 35. ACCOMMODATION STUDENT FINANCE

There are a few things you’ll need in place before You can get a loan of up to £9,250 each you start university, and at the top of the list is year to pay tuition fees. You can also get a accommodation and your student finance! maintenance loan to pay living costs. The amount depends on the part of the country ACCOMMODATION you are in and if you live away from home or Confetti campus is in the heart of Nottingham’s city not. You can work out how much you could centre, which means a great nightlife and great get on GOV.UK. accommodation. Confetti students have access to Nottingham Trent University’s halls of residence, so Applying for your tuition fee and maintenance students are guaranteed to be a part of a great student loan is simple - you apply for both at the same community, local accommodation and great facilities. time in one easy process. Not sure what you’re University accommodation is an essential part of the applying for? We’ve broken them down for you. student experience. It’s a perfect way to settle in, have a great social life, and make friends for life. All new Confetti students are guaranteed accommodation, so as long as you book before 31 May you can be sure you’ll secure your home away from home. TUITION FEE LOAN Top right: NTU Gill Street Residence Non means-tested, a tuition fee loan may be available Bottom left: Confetti HQ If you’re living away from home for the first time, you don’t and is linked to the cost of your course. You can apply want to go it alone. Settling in and making friends are to borrow some or all of the cost of your tuition fees essential first steps to take when you arrive at university, and if you apply and are granted a loan, this will be and living in NTU residences is an ideal way to do this. WHY CHOOSE NTU ACCOMMODATION? paid directly to your Higher Education Institute by NEED MORE HELP? CALL There’s always plenty going on in your residence, too – • Central locations Student Finance England. OUR STUDENT SUPPORT each has Residence Assistants to help you settle in and • Free Wi-Fi enabled internet Hall Committees to plan activities and events. • All utility bills included You don’t start repaying this loan until you have TEAM ON 0115 952 2075. • Excellent security including wardens, CCTV graduated and are earning over £25,000. Payments and intercom systems come directly out of your salary, so you don’t have to • Fresher’s reps and residence assistants worry about it. • Sharing exclusively with other NTU and Confetti students MAINTENANCE LOAN The maintenance loan is available if you need a bit of As an added bonus, you won’t have to worry help with living costs. It’s repayable and will help you about bills! Your heating, water and electricity to cover costs such as accommodation, food, utilities, bills are all included in your residence fees, transport and course materials. so you won’t have any extra bills to pay. Your room will be centrally-heated and you’ll have You may need to provide evidence of your household a constant supply of hot water. You’ll even get income, and you will need to supply proof of identity free basic contents insurance covering a range – Student Finance will get in touch with you to let you of belongings, which you can easily “top-up” to know when you need to give this information. cover your more expensive items. NEED HELP? BOOKING YOUR ACCOMMODATION No problem, most queries can be answered quickly • Got to the NTU website by reading the guides on the student finance • Browse the accommodation website. You can access this information at • Make a shortlist of your favourites gov.uk/studentfinance. • Book online • Accept your accommodation and Our Student Support team are on hand to help with set up your payments any application, finance or accommodation queries. • Move in! Just give them a call on 0115 952 2075. 36. CONFETTI SOCIAL SNAPSHOT confetti.ac.uk 37. CONFETTI SOCIAL SNAPSHOT GET CONNECTED ON SOCIAL

What we’ve posted about lately: The best way to keep up-to-date with the latest goings-on at Confetti • Confetti news and updates is to follow us on social media. From catching our latest videos on • Student/staff achievements YouTube to discovering an amazing work experience opportunity, our Confetti social channels aim to provide you with all the latest college • Confetti/student events and university news and events, highlight all of the great things that • Exciting projects in and out of lessons our staff and students are up to and give you a voice of your own. ConfettiICT • Work opportunities Confetti_ICT • The creative industries We’d love to hear from you if you have news, events and fundraisers, • Competitions or just want to highlight your personal/academic achievements. Just Confetti_ICT message us on our social account with all the details and where • Industry guests possible, we’ll share your ideas. TheConfettiInstitute • Inspiration 38. CONFETTI COMMUNITY confetti.ac.uk 39. CONFETTI COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS FOR ALL STUDENTS SATURDAY 20TH JULY 2019 WOLLATON PARK MAIN STAGE

SPLENDOUR AD

LOUISA / THE SLOW READERS CLUB / BARNS COURTNEY ROB GREEN / NUSIC COMPETITION WINNER CONFETTI STAGE

THE RIFLES / THE CORONAS BRIA / AVA SAINT You might have seen a few community events These have been planned with the help of our COMEDY STAGE COURTYARD STAGE promoted around campus, maybe you’ve students, but we’re always looking for new ideas. ANDY ROBINSON (COMPÈRE) ESTHER VAN LEUVEN / VELVET BLUSH / 94 GUNSHIPS attended a few, but what is Confetti Community? If you have an activity, idea or group you’d like to SUZY BENNETT / ROGER MONKHOUSE MY PET FAUXES / MID NOVEMBER / MEGATRAIN VINCE ATTA / SEAN HEYDON / NATHAN CATON RE TEU / CAMILLE CHRISTEL / LAURIE ILLINGWORTH create, just complete the form at Confetti Community aims to bring students from all confetti.ac.uk/confetti-community-activities course areas together to socialise inside and outside and tell us about it; if it’s something we think we can INDEPENDENT MARKET GEM ANTHEMS FUNFAIR, KIDS’ AREA of class. We run a mix of activities and groups to suit STALL AREA SILENT DISCO & ACTIVITIES pull off then we’ll be in touch. We’re giving you full every student, and they’re not all subject related! control, so get in touch... In term three, we already have a lot planned. More Confetti Live gigs, filmmaking and film screening Left: Student Christmas Party evenings, a photography club, a basketball team, Top right: Students filming Notts TV Rediscovering Notts gaming lunches, trips out and more. Bottom right: Overwatch Season Arrows Semi-Final

Untitled-18 1 29/03/2019 10:37 05.5 MAX COOPER (WIGFLEX FESTIVAL) Electronic artist Max Cooper is at Metronome for an audio visual set. 7pm £30

08.5 LISA O’NEILL (SIGNED TO RIVER LEA) Guardian’s top albums of 2018 and described as a modern folk masterpiece. 7pm £10

12.5 NEXUS SHORT FILM FESTIVAL The East Midlands Film Network are hosting their first ever short film festival. All day from 10.30am £10

18.5 HELLO THOR RECORDS (10TH BIRTHDAY WEEKENDER) Celebrate the weekend at Metronome with Haiku Salut, Cantaloupe and more. 8pm/4pm (Sat/Sun) £14 weekend entry

18.6 GAMECITY NIGHTS (VARIETY SHOW) Meet the creators of the new Sonic the Hedgehog game. 7pm 09.5 £8 CONFETTI LIVE 27.6 INSPIRE/BBC INTRODUCING AT METRONOME PRESENTS Confetti Live at Metronome is a free gig featuring some of Hosted by BBC’s Dean Jackson. Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies’ best up-and-coming talent. Featuring top bands and performers. 7pm 7.30pm Free entry £4

Photo credit: Andrea Bottino - Marty Brought to you by Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, part of Nottingham Trent University. metronome.uk.com