BA (Hons) Film, TV & Theatre Production student Will Carter, has been selected to be a Royal Television Society Scholar as a recipient of the TV Production and Journalism Bursary, which aims to address skill gaps in the industry through recruiting scholars studying subjects including but not limited to TV Production, Journalism, Animation, Costume Design and Set Design.
The bursary scheme was created to increase the diversity and inclusivity of the workforce by recruiting people from diverse backgrounds, demonstrate to scholars that the TV industry can offer them a wealth of interesting and inspiring career opportunities. This year’s scholars “hail from 32 different institutions across the UK, with 30 students selected for the TV Production and Journalism Bursary and 10 for the Digital Innovation Bursary.”
The successful scholars receive financial support (£1500) to assist with their expenses and living costs, access to events and a free RTS membership while studying, with an additional year after graduation. The RTS will also set up mentoring opportunities, matching each awardee with an industry professional. Upon graduating, the recipients will also be given complementary access to the RTS Mini MBA, a pioneering industry-led online course which provides a comprehensive business understanding of the television and streaming media sector.
Will said he was encouraged to apply for the bursary by lecturers on his course he explains “I was sent a link to the website and bursary scheme by Lee Charnley where I researched the many different types of bursaries and help for creatives. I applied for the one most fitting to my area of film and went through an interview process.”
Speaking of the opportunity he said “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to build a stronger network of connections in the industry and really excited to meet likeminded people from across the country. I have already attended some meetings with the organisers and fellow scholars and am greatly looking forward to meeting them in person later this month and at future events throughout the year.”
Alongside studying Will has engrossed himself in the local film community and has secured roles on different projects, he reflected “I’ve been really fortunate to have some great experiences from a range of film shoots, my most recent was fulfilling the role of cinematographer for the final day of the shoot for a local short film titled ‘I Am Everything’.”
“I try my best to put myself into the industry as much as possible and after working with the DOP on a shoot prior to ‘I Am Everything’, I was recommended to cover the role final of four days of shooting. It was great working with director Eli Hartley and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished film. “
Other projects he has completed include working with big local names and he even played a part in the recent D&R200 events, “in the summer of 2025, I was offered the role of 2nd Assistant Camera by local filmmaker Curtis Burnett for a film in conjunction with the Tees Valley International Film Festival (TVIFF) staring Stephen Tompkinson and Bill Fellows celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Darlington Stockton Railway.”
Will attributes his confidence in his skills to his degree programme he commented “thanks to my course and lecturers, I have been able to learn and understand the basics of filmmaking. I am so grateful to my lecturers particularly Lee and Connor who are always on hand to give their advice. Being at the school has massively improved my confidence and allowed me to approach external filmmakers and gain valuable onset experience.”
When asked what his advice for future students looking to gain experience is he said “listen to everything, learn from everyone and work hard. Seek out networking opportunities such as the local, monthly networking event ‘In The Frame’ ran by Stuart Hunter and Alice Pargiter, attending this monthly has given me the contacts that I have within the industry thus leading to many jobs and work opportunities. ”
Keep up to date with Will’s work by following him on Instagram: @wgcarter25
The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Film, TV, and Theatre Production programme provides students with a broad and versatile skill set that provides a distinct advantage in the competitive job market. Details of the degree programme are HERE