A renowned film-maker from Tenby who credits the University of Wales Trinity Saint David for a life-changing course is now encouraging others to study Film & Media at UWTSD.

Steven Clarey is a BA Film and Media graduate from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). Originally from Carmarthen, but now living in Tenby, he’s a renowned freelance film-maker and photographer.

Since Steven left UWTSD, he has pursued a career within the film and media industry. He’s had opportunities to work with a number of large global brands such as Panasonic, Red Bull, Monster Energy, Aston Martin F1 and numerous others across the world. He said:

“I’ve been fortunate to have so many highlights in my career so far from shooting the launch campaign for the Panasonic Lumix GH5 in Mozambique, working on the Drift Innovation European Tour in 2013, working with Quest TV on Le Mans 24-hour in 2016/17, and my current role of feature cameraman on the FIA World Rallycross Championship to name a few.”

Steven had reached a crossroads in his life when he enrolled as a student at UWTSD in Carmarthen. He had just left a job in which he was really unhappy and decided that he should try something different and applied to university. He said:

“I wanted to do something creative and even though I had no experience in film or media I thought it would be a good direction to go in. It also helped that the campus in Carmarthen was in a great location and near to my parents’ house.”

Steven found the BA Film & Media course life-changing. He added:

“When I initially signed up my main focus was enjoying the student life and partying and having fun. However, the second I picked up a camera and started filming content my focus changed completely. The lecturers were extremely supportive of the direction I was taking my imagery, which was filming surfing and extreme sports.”

The course kickstarted Steven’s career by allowing him the time to practise his craft alongside his studies, with the lecturers on hand to help nurture his skills and navigate the industry. His favourite aspect was the practical element which allows students the flexibility to film projects that suit their own style.

During his studies, Steven would spend a lot of time filming surfing. The skills Steven gained from this has really helped him in his current career in filmmaking.

Steven learnt a great deal from the course from editing, composition, and skills that enabled him to hit the ground running.

“The lectures on cinematography were also a really big help. There was so many aspects of filmmaking that I had no idea about previously. I also really enjoyed how much practical work we had to do.  I’m not a huge fan of essays and although essays were a vital part of the course, I focused most of my attention on the practical assignments.”

Steven feels that the support he had from his lecturers was invaluable.

“It’s a struggle to put into words how much support I had from the lecturers during my time at the university. It was as if they helped turn on a part of my brain that wasn’t there previously, instilling me with the confidence to achieve whatever I wanted to. They were also extremely flexible with my studies which enabled me to get out there and practice my craft. They also really helped with the partnerships and opportunities I had outside of university; helping me navigate working with brands and establishing myself as a working freelancer.”

Dr Brett Aggersberg, BA Film & Media Programme Director is extremely proud of Steven’s achievements. He said:

“Steven was the inspiration for us to establish the BA Adventure Filmmaking degree. As a student, he produced exciting films based on the outdoors and surfing. Then as a graduate, he continued to specialise in adventurous films and photography, whilst travelling the globe and working for major brands.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Steven back to campus as a guest speaker at the International Media Festival of Wales. It was extra special as he was representing one of our industry partners, Panasonic Lumix. His talk to students from Coleg Sir Gâr, as well as the University, was inspiring. It gave the audience the confidence to experiment with their ideas and creativity and aim high for their goals in the industry.

“Steven is an example of what we hope our students will achieve by studying and engaging in our creative and industry-focused courses.”

As Steven’s career continues to flourish, he is encouraging others to follow in his footsteps and to study Film and Media at UWTSD.

“I would say to go for it! It’s a great university, more intimate than a lot of other universities in the UK which allows you to have a better relationship with the lecturers, who can spend more time with individual students, helping to support them with their studies. The area is also incredibly beautiful with amazing scenery and plenty to keep you occupied away from your studies. I absolutely loved my time at UWTSD.”

UWTSD has three main campuses in South West Wales – Carmarthen, Lampeter and Swansea.

To apply for the Film and Media course, email [email protected] or visit Adventure Filmmaking (BA) | UWTSD