From a young age, Finlay G, Class of 2024, has been captivated by the world of film and television, a passion that only grew stronger during his time at school. Encouraged by supportive teachers and hands-on experience in school productions, he realised that pursuing a career in this creative industry was not just a dream but a reality and exciting path. 

Preparing to take the next step to study Film and TV at University of Glasgow, and follow a professional career in writing and producing film or TV, or film and TV journalism,  Finlay said: “I love Film and TV because there are so many different ways to tell a good story or convey an idea. It incorporates everything I’m interested in: writing, photography, music, art, reading and acting. This course is more theoretical than some of the other more practical courses, with the first year focusing on ‘Screen Analysis’ and ‘Screen Histories’. 

“Creating a folio of my own short films and gaining work experience for university applications taught me about setting realistic goals and turning an idea into a film. I also participated in a BFI Youth Academy Film Course, collaborating with other teenagers across Aberdeen to produce a film that was entered into the Northern Lens Youth Film Festival. Through the Tartan Underdog filming at school, organised by Miss Boyne, I gained valuable on-set experience as a Runner and saw the various roles in action. Supporting the amateur theatre production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ with the Phoenix Youth Theatre proved to be a great way to break exam stress during my last year in school.

“Although I’m really keen to be involved in making films and gaining practical experience, the technical side to filmmaking is foundational too, so a really in-depth understanding of theory and the history of film will help to build more practical skills. I’m really looking forward to learning about the styles of filmmaking and the culture behind it.”

Miss Boyne, Principal Teacher of Drama, added: “We are so excited for Finlay as he heads off to Glasgow to study Film and TV. From S1, Finlay has been an active, enthusiastic member of the Drama department from studying Higher Drama, NC Creative Industries and taking on lead roles in our school productions. His creativity is inspiring to our younger students and I have no doubts that we will be seeing his name on the big screen soon.”