Escape Studios Students Visit Time Based Arts

This September, a group of our postgraduate students got a first-hand look at industry careers on a site trip to Time Based Arts in Shoreditch. Run by Will Hughes, our Talent Development Manager, the trip gave our students key insights into the business of a working studio.   

Who are Time Based Arts?  

Time Based Arts are a world-leading visual effects and colour grading studio who have been operating since 2008. They have been recognised for outstanding creativity by organisations including the Emmys and the British Arrows Awards. They have worked across Film and TV, music videos and advertising on projects for huge names including Apple, the BBC, The Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, Adidas and Google Pixel. 

What did students get to see?  

Our student group received a tour of the colourful and creative studio premises from Operations Director, Harry Jones, which include a coffee and bar area, screening room, library and dedicated 'clock wall', as well as many custom studio spaces.  

Afterwards they had the opportunity to listen to a talk covering the roles of the production, 2D, 3D and colour grading departments. Harry introduced the group to 3D Artist Oliver Lèmery and Flame Artist Ria Shroff, who shared examples of work they had done on a recent campaign for Lego featuring Tom Holland and talked through how various effects were achieved! Additionally, Harry, Oliver and Ria shared work done on award-winning idents for Channel 4 and answered questions around standout showreels, getting into the industry and more.  

One standout piece of advice was an emphasis on the versatility of entry-level Runner roles, and how these roles are an excellent way to get into the industry, to try different areas and to figure out where your skills and interests fit into the studio pipeline.  

Talent development at Escape 

Led by Talent Development Manager Will Hughes, who also teaches our Professional Practice module, our Talent Development department arranges mentorship, mock interviews, talks and studio visits with our partner studios and beyond! Other recent activities have included an exclusive student talk from Kensuke's Kingdom Director Neil Boyle, and the opportunity for students to work on a real-life advertising brief with Howden insurance group.  

A huge thank you to Harry, Oliver, Ria and everyone at Time Based Arts for giving us a look into their day-to-day!